Lessons for Private Enforcement: Pioneering GDPR Class Actions in the Netherlands

  • Workshop
  • Machine Room
  • Wednesday 21.05 — 10:30 - 11:45

Organising Institution

Pels Rijcken Advocaten

Netherlands

Pels Rijcken‘s IP&T practice advises both public and private sector clients including representing the Dutch State in high-profile proceedings. The team often represents non-profit foundations as claimants in collective redress litigation against big tech, but also assists defendants in class action law suits against (privacy) foundations. Some of the cases they do are on the cutting edge off privacy related class action law, and involve proceedings against tech giants such as Meta and Google.
The Netherlands has long been recognized for its distinctive approach to collective redress. In recent years, a significant reform of the Dutch collective redress framework has led to a marked increase in class action lawsuits concerning privacy violations. High-profile proceedings against tech giants such as Google, Meta, and TikTok illustrate the growing importance of private enforcement mechanisms under the GDPR. This workshop examines the rapidly evolving landscape of GDPR class actions in the Netherlands. We will begin with an overview of the legal framework governing these proceedings, focusing on the Wet Afwikkeling Massaschade in Collectieve Actie (WAMCA) and its implications for privacy-related claims. The discussion will highlight the unique procedural and substantive aspects that make the Netherlands an attractive jurisdiction for initiating collective GDPR claims. We will analyze recent case law, including landmark decisions by the Amsterdam District Court in actions against Meta and TikTok. Particular attention will be paid to the legal reasoning applied by the courts,

Host

Lars Groeneveld

Pels Rijcken Advocaten - Netherlands

Lars Groeneveld has been practicing as an information law attorney at Pels Rijcken since 2019. Within the firm's Innovation, Privacy & Technology department, his work in both litigation and advisory matters focuses primarily on data protection and copyright law. Lars is involved in multiple class actions proceedings against big tech companies (e.g. Google and Meta).

Host

Lizzy Samuels

Lemstra van der Korst - Netherlands

Lizzy Samuels specializes in corporate and commercial litigation and mass claims. As a dispute resolution expert, she regularly represents national and international corporations in complex high profile corporate and commercial disputes. She also litigates and advises on collective settlements (WCAM) and proceedings regarding collective action claims (WAMCA).