10 Dutch municipalities fined for conducting research into Muslim communities

By Ilayda Cakirtekin

ISTANBUL (AA) – The Dutch Data Protection Authority (AP) has fined 10 municipalities a total of €250,000 ($295,000) for violating privacy laws by conducting research into Muslim communities without their knowledge, broadcaster NOS reported on Thursday.

The fact that municipalities had secretly commissioned studies and processed files containing sensitive information about Muslim residents was revealed in 2021.

While municipalities were not authorized to hold such information, some of the reports were reportedly also shared with the police, the National Coordinator for Counterterrorism and Security (NCTV), and Social Affairs and Employment Ministry.

"The municipalities had no basis for having that information. The privacy of the affected people has been seriously violated. This has damaged trust in many municipalities," AP chair Aleid Wolfsen said.

On NCTV advice, some municipalities hired external agencies to collect varying levels of sensitive information on local Islamic communities, including mosque structures and key figures, the AP also noted.

The municipalities that will receive a fine include Delft, Ede, Eindhoven, Haarlemmermeer, Hilversum, Huizen, Gooise Meren , Tilburg, Veenendaal and Zoetermeer.