This is because entrepreneurs have recently become more and more bothered by the fact that their data can easily be requested from the Chamber of Commerce. These are, for example, published online (doxing), used for marketing or even physical threats. The House of Representatives has therefore long wanted addresses to be removed from the register.
This is now only possible after someone has actually already been threatened. Adriaansens is now prepared to go a step further. All sole proprietorships will soon be able to submit a request to protect their address. They must then provide an alternative postal address, for example a PO box. A legislative amendment is being made, but the minister has asked the Chamber of Commerce to apply the new method in practice.
Shady companies
In addition, telephone numbers and e-mail addresses will no longer be public at all in the Trade Register, which applies to all persons and companies. There will also be a ban on the use of data from the register for marketing.
Adriaansens does make sure that shielding does not provide space for shadowy companies: “It remains possible to check certain data in order to maintain legal certainty in economic transactions and to prevent fraud. After all, shielding should not lead to a situation in which unreliable entrepreneurs can easily defraud their customers or other companies.”