Decision on fine AS Watson - Kruidvat
The Autoriteit Persoonsgegevens (AP), the Dutch data protection authority, has imposed a fine of 600,000 euros on the company behind Kruidvat chemists. The reason for the fine is that the company followed visitors to Kruidvat.nl with tracking cookies, without their knowledge or consent.
Update 12/06/2025: AS Watson appealed against the fine imposed. The AP has provided a thorough clarification of AS Watson's objection and reduced the imposed fine. Read more: Decision on objection AS Watson - Kruidvat
The company collected and used sensitive personal data of millions of website visitors against the rules.
The company behind Kruidvat, AS Watson (Health & Beauty Continental Europe) B.V., collected data from website visitors and was able to use this data to create personal profiles of these people. In addition to location data of visitors, this included which pages they visited, which products they added to the basket and purchased, and which recommendations they clicked on.
Continue reading: Boete van 600.000 euro voor tracking cookies op Kruidvat.nl (in Dutch)