How to sign up for a mass claim against Big Tech in the Netherlands

The short answer

To sign up for a mass claim against Big Tech, go through specialised claim organisations like those you can find via MijnRecht.AI. These organisations collect claims from consumers who have suffered damage due to privacy violations by large tech companies. You usually register online by filling in your details and indicating what damage you've suffered. The claim organisation then investigates whether you're entitled to compensation and includes you in the collective procedure. This process is usually free or works on a no cure, no pay basis.

What does Dutch law say?

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR/AVG) gives you the right to compensation if a company violates your privacy. Article 82 GDPR states that you can receive compensation for both material and non-material damage. The Dutch Mass Damages Settlement Act (Wet collectieve afwikkeling massaschade - WCAM) makes it possible to bundle claims in the Netherlands. For cross-border cases, European procedures can also be initiated. Tech companies are obliged to protect your privacy and can be held liable if they fail to do so.

What should you watch out for?

Pay close attention to the terms and conditions of the claim organisation and check whether they are trustworthy. Read the fine print about costs, as some organisations do charge costs if the claim fails. Make sure you keep all relevant documents that prove you were a user of the platform in question. Be realistic about the expected compensation, as mass claims often lead to modest amounts per person.

Example from practice

A well-known example is the claim against Facebook after the Cambridge Analytica scandal, where data from millions of users was misused. Dutch claim organisations started procedures where affected users could register via online forms. Participants had to prove they were Facebook users during the relevant period and had suffered damage from the data breach. Eventually, a settlement was reached where participants received compensation. This shows how mass claims work in practice and that they can actually lead to results in the Netherlands.

What can you do?

Follow these concrete steps to sign up for a mass claim.