The Dutch Data Protection Authority (Autoriteit Persoonsgegevens)Â announced recently that Eindhoven has been fined 25,000 euros. The fine was issued for violating privacy laws by possessing and processing sensitive personal data during a 2018 study.
The study, known as a “force field analysis,” focused on the Islamic community in Eindhoven. It processed sensitive information, including individuals’ religious beliefs. The municipal executive (College van Burgemeester en Wethouders) acknowledged the 2018 violation and apologised in October 2021. Local mosque boards were also informed about the situation at that time.
Mayor Jeroen Dijsselbloem expressed regret over the study, noting that it damaged trust and was stigmatising toward Islamic communities. He stated that Eindhoven has worked hard over recent years to rebuild these relationships through regular meetings and personal contact. By paying the fine, the city aims to reinforce its apology and conclude a long legal process.
The analysis was originally prompted by international developments, such as the war in Syria and concerns about citizens joining extremist groups. Based on advice from the National Coordinator for Security and Counterterrorism, the city hired a research firm to conduct the study. The resulting report contained personal details of community members and board leaders. The municipality deleted the report in April 2022 after confirming the data collection was unlawful.
“Everyone has the right to personal data privacy, and breaching that right based on one’s religion, all the more by the gemeente, is very concerning. As a Muslim, I feel unsafe and being scrutinised for no reason other than my belief, remarks Oswaus Abbas, who is a knowledge migrant working in Eindhoven for the past 10 years.
Eindhoven has since improved its internal procedures regarding privacy laws and data protection. The city has introduced stricter controls and ensures that all future research has a clear legal basis. This action follows a broader AP investigation into 10 Dutch municipalities that conducted similar studies between 2016 and 2021.
NEWS BRAINPORT | GEMEENTE EINDHOVEN
