Dutch parcel deliverers publicly shamed online, raising privacy concerns
Parcel deliverers in the Netherlands are increasingly being publicly shamed in large Facebook groups, according to PostNL and DHL. Customers frequently post photos and videos showing recognizable delivery workers, raising privacy concerns and causing distress for employees.
In a public Facebook group with more than 12,000 members, users are invited to “share your experiences and discuss complaints about PostNL’s service,” RTL reported. Members often accompany their daily complaints with photos or video of delivery personnel. “What an idiot of a delivery guy here in Vught,” one frustrated user wrote, sharing multiple images in which the deliverer was clearly identifiable. “You’re now on social media with your face out there.”
A similar pattern appears in a DHL complaint group with about 6,000 members. One customer posted Ring doorbell footage showing a parcel left in the rain despite instructions to place deliveries under a canopy. The post read, “You’re on the ring, boy.”
Such actions violate Dutch privacy law under the General Data Protection Regulation. The Dutch Data Protection Authority confirmed to RTL that sharing recognizable images of employees without consent is illegal. “Public shaming can have a significant impact on a person’s privacy, especially if that person turns out to be innocent,” a spokesperson said. “It is up to the police to identify suspects and the courts to determine whether someone is actually at fault.”
Almere delivery driver Ramon Misseijer said he experienced the impact firsthand after discovering a video of himself online. He was late delivering a mailbox package because a colleague called in sick, delaying several routes. “I had the choice: deliver the package later or now, despite being late,” Misseijer said. He chose to deliver it immediately. The recipient, startled by the sound of the package hitting the floor, posted a video showing the timestamp.
“When I saw the video, I was shocked,” Misseijer told RTL. “I went to the house and politely asked how he would feel if someone filmed him delivering groceries and posted it online the next day. He immediately apologized and deleted the video.”
Misseijer said he has since seen multiple colleagues publicly shamed online. “People are frustrated, of course, but there are better ways to handle it. Speak to the deliverer, ask why something happened, and don’t take the law into your own hands. We are human beings too.”
PostNL and DHL both described the online exposure of their employees as “highly burdensome.” A DHL spokesperson said, “Our deliverers work diligently and interact with many courteous recipients every day. Unfortunately, they increasingly face unnecessary aggression. It is important to emphasize that they are not coming uninvited but delivering items people ordered. Courtesy goes both ways.”
PostNL said doorbell cameras can be helpful for communication but also have drawbacks. “It is essential to handle footage of our employees carefully and respectfully,” a spokesperson said. “We inform staff about their rights and obligations to ensure safe and proper deliveries.” Both companies urge customers to submit complaints through official customer service channels rather than on social media.
The Dutch Consumers’ Association said customer service at parcel companies often falls short. A spokesperson said a recent panel rated parcel company customer service at 3.7 out of 10. “Standard responses, often via chatbots, usually fail to resolve issues. There needs to be a real person to handle complaints properly,” the spokesperson said. “But sharing these images online is not the way to vent frustration; it violates privacy laws.”
