Dutch Data Protection Authority Raises Concerns Over Traffic Light Surveillance

In the Netherlands, increasing numbers of traffic lights are capable of connecting to the mobile phones of road users to collect personal data. The Autoriteit Persoonsgegevens (AP) has expressed serious concerns about these surveillance capabilities and is urging the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management to take immediate action. Unlike traditional detection loops that track traffic flow without collecting personal data, these “tracking traffic lights” can gather extensive details about individuals’ movements, including their complete travel routes, times, and speeds. The AP criticizes road managers for not thoroughly considering the privacy risks and for the lack of clarity about who shares and manages this data. The AP had already warned the ministry in 2021, and has reiterated its call for a thorough review to ensure that the use and design of these traffic lights comply with General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) standards.