Dutch authority orders deletion of illegally gathered information on Muslims

Investigation revealed secret data collection by the Ministry of Social Affairs between 2016 and 2019

AMSTERDAM (MNTV) – The Dutch Data Protection Authority (AP) has ordered the Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment to delete all personal data that was illegally collected from members of Muslim communities. 

The data was obtained through secret investigations between 2016 and 2019, as reported by NL Times.

The investigations unfairly targeted mosques and Muslims.

The AP discovered that the ministry had conducted 12 investigations during this period, focusing on 31 individuals. 

The information collected included names, educational background, employment details, personal behavior, religious beliefs, and even the relationships of those investigated. 

The data was gathered without the consent or knowledge of the people involved.

Upon discovering the breach, the AP began an investigation on September 23, 2023, reviewing over 3,000 documents, including reports, emails, and notes. 

The ministry has been notified of its obligation to inform citizens about their right to view the illegally collected information. 

Those affected have been granted two months to request access to the information gathered about them. 

Twelve individuals have already received an official apology from the former Minister of Social Affairs, Karien van Gennip.

AP Chairman Aleid Wolfsen condemned the ministry’s actions, emphasizing that innocent people were subjected to secret investigations, not by intelligence services or the police, but by a government ministry. 

Wolfsen called for the immediate deletion of the illegally gathered data and reiterated that the ministry must destroy it within two months. 

This step aims to ensure the protection of individuals’ privacy rights and promote accountability for discriminatory practices.