Right to Rectification in Zoetermeer

Right to Rectification in Zoetermeer

As a resident of Zoetermeer, you can use the right to rectification to have incorrect or incomplete personal data corrected by local authorities such as the Municipality of Zoetermeer. This right under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) ensures reliable records, which are crucial for decisions on local benefits, permits or allowances in our city.

Legal Basis of the Right to Rectification

The right to rectification is central to Article 16 GDPR. Every citizen may require the controller, such as the Municipality of Zoetermeer, to correct inaccurate personal data and complete incomplete data. This must be done free of charge, without undue delay and at the latest within one month of your request.

The General Administrative Law Act (Awb) supports this through the careful preparation of decisions (Article 3:2 Awb). In case of errors, you can file an objection (Article 4:17 Awb). The Data Protection Authority (AP) oversees compliance, while the District Court of Zoetermeer has jurisdiction over local disputes.

Read more in our overview of the GDPR and the government. Related rights such as the right to be forgotten or the information obligation can also be found there. For advice in Zoetermeer: Legal Aid Office Zoetermeer.

When Can You Invoke This Right in Zoetermeer?

Invoke this right in cases of incorrect data processing by local authorities. Typical cases for Zoetermeer residents:

• Incorrect date of birth in the Basic Register of Persons (BRP) with the Municipality of Zoetermeer, blocking benefits.
• Inaccurate income information with the Tax Authorities, leading to incorrect local benefits.
• Incomplete judicial record hindering job applications in Zoetermeer.

Accurate data in basic registers such as the BRP, Land Registry or Judicial Documentation System (JDS) are essential for your local rights.

Procedure for Rectification with Zoetermeer Authorities

Here's how to exercise your right to rectification:

1. Submit Request: Send an email or letter to the Municipality of Zoetermeer or other authority. Specify the error, the correct information and attachments such as a BRP extract.
2. Response Period: Reply within 1 month; up to 2 additional months for complex cases.
3. No Resolution: File a complaint with the AP via autoriteitpersoonsgegevens.nl. Need help? Contact Legal Aid Office Zoetermeer.
4. Objection or Appeal: For administrative decisions, file an objection (Awb art. 6:3) or appeal to the District Court of Zoetermeer.

Comparison with Other GDPR Rights

Your Rights and Obligations

Rights:

• Free correction and notification to third parties (art. 16(2) GDPR).
• No proof of damage required; error suffices.
• Compensation for shortcomings (art. 82 GDPR).

Obligations:

• Provide proof of accuracy.
• Be precise in your request.
• Respect purposes; historical archives often remain intact.

Practical Examples from Zoetermeer

Example 1: Mrs. Jansen from Zoetermeer notices an incorrect address in her BRP with the Municipality of Zoetermeer. After her request, it is quickly fixed, and her parking permit recalculated.

Example 2: Mr. De Vries has a typo in a CJIB fine. Rectification via the municipality waives the fine plus reimbursement of costs.

In 2022, the AP handled over 5,000 government complaints, with 30% concerning rectification (AP Annual Report).

Frequently Asked Questions