Unibet Under Fire: A GDPR Grievance in the Netherlands
Unibet defends its operations amid calls for reevaluation of its Dutch license due to claims of illicit activities
In the Netherlands' bustling digital landscape, Unibet, a Kindred Group brand, faces a legal squall. The contention stems from an accusation that the group intentionally thwarted users, inciting a call for examination on their operating license.
A clique of disgruntled customers has banded together, seeking restitution for their financial losses. Attorney Benzi Loonstine asserts that Unibet impeded these patrons from accessing crucial data such as transaction histories, a move that allegedly breaches General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) rules.
The Accusations: A Breach of Trust
The complaint accuses the Sweden-based operator of deliberately obstructing access to these individuals. GDPR mandates that EU citizens have the right to request a platform to disclose all their personal information.
Calling for a License Inquiry
Two Dutch lawmakers, Mirjam Bikker of Christian Union and Michiel van Nispen of the Socialist Party, have heeded this legal fight. They appealed to Legal Protections Minister Teun Stuckey to initiate an investigation into Unibet's conduct, with the aim of unmasking the truth.
These legislators have spotlighted Unibet's profit margins derived from Dutch customers while operating illegally within the Netherlands for over 15 years before acquiring a license.
Defending the Brands: Unibet Responds
Precedents have set a precedent for claimants to recoup historical losses from gambling operators in the Netherlands. In August, the district court of The Hague ruled, in three plaintiffs' favor, receiving a total of €221,000 ($227,274) from Unibet.
The Kindred Group contends that users were unable to access their account data due to differing GDPR enforcement guidelines between the Netherlands and Malta.
The company also attributes the situation to the aftermath of the media coverage generated by legal action, which resulted in a surge of individuals seeking their transaction records, causing confusion. They invite users to examine their own banking records instead.
Française des Jeux (FDJ) assuming control of the Kindred Group in October has added a layer of intrigue to this ongoing saga.
Understanding the Intricacies of GDPR Violation Cases
- Complaint and Investigation:
- A GDPR violation case usually kicks off with a complaint filing by an individual or group, alleging that a company has mishandled personal data.
- The Dutch Data Protection Authority will delve into the complaint, determining if GDPR principles have been infringed.
- GDPR Principles:
- GDPR champions principles like data minimization, purpose limitation, and adequate protection for data outside the EU.
- Violations often stem from non-compliance with these principles, leading to legal action.
- Legal Challenges and Penalties:
- If violations are proven, companies may face fines, legal action, or both. Sanctions can be severe, up to €20 million or 4% of the company's global turnover.
- Companies may suffer reputational damage, potential license or certification losses, in addition to penalties.
- Calls for License Review:
- In instances where a significant breach is revealed, regulatory bodies may call for a license review, examining whether the company continues to comply with current regulations.
- The ongoing issue with Unibet in the Netherlands centers around accusations of breaching General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) rules by obstructing users' access to their transaction histories.
- In light of this controversy, two Dutch lawmakers, Mirjam Bikker and Michiel van Nispen, have urged Legal Protections Minister Teun Stuckey to scrutinize Unibet's operations and investigate potential violations of GDPR.
- As Unibet also operates in the realm of casino-and-gambling, this case raises questions about the company's adherence to casino-culture norms and may influence future trends in sports-betting and casino-gambling industries.
