Consumer groups take ING to court over lack of disclosure on Google’s use of user data
Dutch consumer organizations filed a lawsuit against ING over concerns about customer privacy following the bank’s switch to Google Pay, a move that has raised widespread questions about how payment data is used and shared.
De Consumentenbond and Stichting Benadeelden in Actie announced they are taking ING to court to force the bank to disclose the agreements it allegedly made with Google regarding the use of customer data.
The case centers on ING’s decision in September 2024 to discontinue its payment app and require customers who want to make contactless payments with Android phones to use Google Pay instead.
Since the transition, De Consumentenbond said it has received a large number of questions and complaints from ING customers worried about their privacy when using Google Pay.
According to the consumer organization, ING has repeatedly stated that it made “good agreements” with Google to protect customer data but has refused to explain what those "good agreements" entail.
“We have repeatedly asked for information, but ING keeps its mouth firmly shut,” said Sandra Molenaar, director of De Consumentenbond. “The bank refers customers to Google Pay’s privacy terms. Those state that the company can collect, analyze, and use payment data for other services. In other words, Google knows exactly what you spend your money on and where and when you do so. And the company can use that information commercially on a large scale.”
ING responded that it is surprised by the legal action and said it “strongly has the impression that ING is being used to make a point against Google.” The bank noted that nearly all other Dutch banks also offer payments through Google Pay.
ING also said Google is required to comply with strict privacy laws and is supervised by the Dutch Data Protection Authority. According to the bank, Google receives transaction data only to enable payments and explicitly states that it does not use that data for targeted advertising.
Reporting by ANP and NL Times
