No, that is not allowed. Not even if the information is public, such as on social media.

An organization may seek information about you only if:

• The organization has a very good reason for doing so. For example, because it is important for the specific job. Curiosity is not a good reason;

• The organization only looks up business information about you. Think about your LinkedIn profile. But no vacation photos on your personal Facebook profile, for example;

• You get to know in advance that the organization wants to look up (business) information about you. For example, because it is in the job posting;

• You will have a chance to explain the information found in a job interview.

Not the same as screening

An organization can also "screen" you as an applicant (or have you screened). The organization then checks whether the information you provide is correct. For example, by calling references. Or by checking whether you are on a blacklist. In some professions this is even required by law, such as childcare. However, strict rules apply.

Source: https://autoriteitpersoonsgegevens.nl/vraag-van-de-maand/mag-het-bedrijf-waar-ik-solliciteer-online-informatie-over-mij-opzoeken , accessed February 25, 2025.