The Netherlands’ data protection authority, Autoriteit Persoonsgegevens, issued a 2.7 million euro fine to credit rating agency Experian Nederland for alleged improper use of personal data. The AP began its investigation following consumer complaints after they would no longer be able to pay their phone or utility bills in installments or they faced a high deposit when switching utility providers. The AP found individuals were facing the higher costs in part due to Experian running credit reports on the customers at the request of clients. However, Experian did not inform the affected individuals the reports were requested and did not offer them the ability to verify the information was accurate.
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