Dutch court validates PFM Intelligence Group's privacy-compliant sensors

On February 2nd, the Dutch Court delivered a clear message: PFM Intelligence Group's innovative tracking solutions fully respect privacy laws. This awaited verdict affirms our confidence in the technology we've developed.

Feb 6, 2024

The Dutch Court's decision is an important acknowledgment for PFM Intelligence Group, demonstrating that their tracking systems, in partnership with the City of Enschede, adhere to strict privacy standards. CEO Bart Schmitz expressed: “This is more than just a win for us; it's a testament to how innovation can coexist with privacy, benefiting cities like Enschede, that strive for smarter, safer environments.”

City centre enhancement

In 2018, the City of Enschede partnered with retail consultancy RMC to improve its cityscape and pedestrian flow. PFM Intelligence Group supported this initiative by providing approximately 20 Wi-Fi scanners. These were strategically placed to monitor traffic patterns, aiding our goal to make Enschede's urban environment more welcoming.

Addressing privacy concerns

The project drew attention when the use of Wi-Fi for city enhancements led to a privacy complaint in December 2018. The Dutch Privacy Authority (AP) was required to investigate. Despite PFM's comprehensive demonstrations on the secure processing of MAC addresses, emphasising their privacy-first approach, the AP imposed a fine of 600,000 euros. Faced with this challenge, the City of Enschede, supported by PFM, sought legal redress. On February 2nd, 2024, the court concluded that the anonymized MAC addresses used did not constitute personal data, underscoring the necessity for the AP to substantiate the potential for individual identification from such data.

A win for innovation

This much-anticipated verdict brings both pride and relief to PFM Intelligence Group. It not only validates the trust in their technological prowess but also clarifies that their tracking solutions do not infringe on individual privacy, contrary to some misconceptions.

CEO Bart Schmitz  adds: "We are pleased with the court's decision, which recognizes the balance we've achieved between innovative urban development and privacy protection."

Further details

For press inquiries, please contact Claudia Verbeek.
+31 (0) 657 09 21 80
Claudia@Rocketx.group

For detailed insights, refer to the full research report and the verdict of the Dutch court.

The Dutch Court's decision is an important acknowledgment for PFM Intelligence Group, demonstrating that their tracking systems, in partnership with the City of Enschede, adhere to strict privacy standards. CEO Bart Schmitz expressed: “This is more than just a win for us; it's a testament to how innovation can coexist with privacy, benefiting cities like Enschede, that strive for smarter, safer environments.”

City centre enhancement

In 2018, the City of Enschede partnered with retail consultancy RMC to improve its cityscape and pedestrian flow. PFM Intelligence Group supported this initiative by providing approximately 20 Wi-Fi scanners. These were strategically placed to monitor traffic patterns, aiding our goal to make Enschede's urban environment more welcoming.

Addressing privacy concerns

The project drew attention when the use of Wi-Fi for city enhancements led to a privacy complaint in December 2018. The Dutch Privacy Authority (AP) was required to investigate. Despite PFM's comprehensive demonstrations on the secure processing of MAC addresses, emphasising their privacy-first approach, the AP imposed a fine of 600,000 euros. Faced with this challenge, the City of Enschede, supported by PFM, sought legal redress. On February 2nd, 2024, the court concluded that the anonymized MAC addresses used did not constitute personal data, underscoring the necessity for the AP to substantiate the potential for individual identification from such data.

A win for innovation

This much-anticipated verdict brings both pride and relief to PFM Intelligence Group. It not only validates the trust in their technological prowess but also clarifies that their tracking solutions do not infringe on individual privacy, contrary to some misconceptions.

CEO Bart Schmitz  adds: "We are pleased with the court's decision, which recognizes the balance we've achieved between innovative urban development and privacy protection."

Further details

For press inquiries, please contact Claudia Verbeek.
+31 (0) 657 09 21 80
Claudia@Rocketx.group

For detailed insights, refer to the full research report and the verdict of the Dutch court.

The Dutch Court's decision is an important acknowledgment for PFM Intelligence Group, demonstrating that their tracking systems, in partnership with the City of Enschede, adhere to strict privacy standards. CEO Bart Schmitz expressed: “This is more than just a win for us; it's a testament to how innovation can coexist with privacy, benefiting cities like Enschede, that strive for smarter, safer environments.”

City centre enhancement

In 2018, the City of Enschede partnered with retail consultancy RMC to improve its cityscape and pedestrian flow. PFM Intelligence Group supported this initiative by providing approximately 20 Wi-Fi scanners. These were strategically placed to monitor traffic patterns, aiding our goal to make Enschede's urban environment more welcoming.

Addressing privacy concerns

The project drew attention when the use of Wi-Fi for city enhancements led to a privacy complaint in December 2018. The Dutch Privacy Authority (AP) was required to investigate. Despite PFM's comprehensive demonstrations on the secure processing of MAC addresses, emphasising their privacy-first approach, the AP imposed a fine of 600,000 euros. Faced with this challenge, the City of Enschede, supported by PFM, sought legal redress. On February 2nd, 2024, the court concluded that the anonymized MAC addresses used did not constitute personal data, underscoring the necessity for the AP to substantiate the potential for individual identification from such data.

A win for innovation

This much-anticipated verdict brings both pride and relief to PFM Intelligence Group. It not only validates the trust in their technological prowess but also clarifies that their tracking solutions do not infringe on individual privacy, contrary to some misconceptions.

CEO Bart Schmitz  adds: "We are pleased with the court's decision, which recognizes the balance we've achieved between innovative urban development and privacy protection."

Further details

For press inquiries, please contact Claudia Verbeek.
+31 (0) 657 09 21 80
Claudia@Rocketx.group

For detailed insights, refer to the full research report and the verdict of the Dutch court.

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