People and companies violating privacy rules are to get hefty fines under new legislation that is likely to come into force this autumn, says the head of the Dutch Data Protection Authority CBP. The fines could range from 25,000 euros for individuals to several million euros for large companies, according to newspaper .

The law is being drawn up by the justice ministry in close cooperation with the CBP. Individuals, companies and organisations who publish pictures and video footage of people whom they accuse or suspect of committing an offence or crime will risk fines of 25,000 euros. Large companies, such as Google, Microsof and Facebook, who misuse personal data or jeopardise people’s privacy could face fines of several million euros.

“People’s personal details are being used all the time without their realising it," a CBP spokesperson explains. It is pointed out that constant innovations in technology and the internet are putting people’s privacy under increasing pressure.