Title: Dutch Chamber of Commerce to Shield Entrepreneurs’ Phone Numbers from Abuse
The Netherlands – In a significant move to protect the privacy of entrepreneurs, the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KvK) has announced that it will begin shielding the phone numbers of entrepreneurs from public view in the national business registry. This measure, set to take effect from Wednesday, is a direct response to the growing issue of unsolicited phone calls and sales harassment faced by self-employed individuals and sole proprietorships.
The decision to shield entrepreneurs’ phone numbers follows a request from the Ministry of Economic Affairs and comes as a result of the persistent problem of unwanted solicitation by telephone, despite the law from 2021 that completely prohibits unsolicited telephone sales.
The telephone numbers belonging to entrepreneurs will be shielded in the national business registry from the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KvK) in order to prevent abuse, and to improve privacy, said KvK Board Chair Greet Prins. With this, we are combating the unwanted solicitation of entrepreneurs by telephone via their registration in the Trade Register.
Prins expressed her satisfaction with the implementation of the new measure, which she believes is necessary to combat the ongoing harassment faced by self-employed persons, particularly by telephone salespeople. Despite the law against unsolicited sales, many entrepreneurs continue to be targeted.
This measure is an essential step towards ensuring that self-employed individuals can conduct their business without the constant threat of unsolicited calls, Prins stated.
The KvK has been proactive in addressing privacy concerns related to the Trade Register. In the past, the organization has expanded the protection of entrepreneurs’ addresses to counter threats and this year, it is also removing fax machine numbers from the Trade Register.
The KvK claims to be anticipating changes in the Trade Register Act that are being implemented because the public nature of the registry is being abused, explained Prins. This new measure fits in seamlessly with the latter.
The move to shield phone numbers was also prompted by the removal of self-employed persons’ and sole proprietorships’ telephone numbers from the Chamber of Commerce’s online address database in 2018. However, the change in law was necessary to provide further protection.
Minister Dirk Beljaarts of Economic Affairs emphasized the importance of balancing openness and transparency with privacy in the Trade Register. A modern and future-proof Trade Register requires two specific factors: openness and transparency, because as an entrepreneur and consumer you need to know with whom you are doing business. And on the other hand, privacy, to protect the personal privacy of every entrepreneur as best as possible, Beljaarts wrote.
This new measure fits in seamlessly with the latter, he added, underscoring the importance of protecting the personal privacy of entrepreneurs.
The announcement has been welcomed by many, who believe that it will help to alleviate the stress and harassment faced by entrepreneurs on a daily basis. This is a positive step towards creating a more respectful and private environment for entrepreneurs to operate in, said a representative from the Dutch Self-Employed Association.
The implementation of the new measure is expected to provide a much-needed respite for entrepreneurs who have long been subjected to unsolicited phone calls and sales harassment. With the phone numbers now shielded, entrepreneurs can conduct their business without the constant fear of unwanted solicitation.
The Dutch Chamber of Commerce’s decision to shield entrepreneurs’ phone numbers is a testament to its commitment to protecting the privacy and well-being of its members. As the measure takes effect, it is hoped that it will contribute to a more respectful and private business environment for entrepreneurs across the Netherlands.
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