In recent years, privacy protection has become a legal and social focal point. Citizens are becoming increasingly aware of their rights regarding personal data, and organizations that violate these rights - whether knowingly or unknowingly - can be faced with extensive damage claims. The theme file Privacy Claims & Mass Claims focuses on the legal and societal dynamics surrounding collective privacy claims.

We address:

-What is meant by mass harm in privacy violations: from data breaches and unlawful data processing to structural privacy violations.

-The legal bases for damages under the AVG (Article 82), and the role of intangible damages.

-The Class Action Mass Claims Settlement Act (WAMCA) and how it enables collective action on behalf of large groups of injured parties.

-Actual and high-profile cases, including claims against big tech companies, data abuse by governments, and recent rulings by European and Dutch judges.

-The role of advocacy organizations, claims foundations and regulators such as the Personal Data Authority.

-Discussions about the balance between legal protection for citizens and the burden on organizations.

We also pay attention to the influence of European developments, such as stricter enforcement by regulators, the impact of the AI Act on data processing, and calls for a more explicit framework for compensation for digital damage.