GermanyThe privacy organization noyb has sent a cease-and-desist letter to Schufa, alleging that the credit agency maintains a 'shadow database' containing outdated and historical data on millions of individuals. This claim was first uncovered by a joint investigation by NDR and Süddeutsche Zeitung in July, which revealed that Schufa holds records such as old loans, credit cards, garnishments, and private insolvencies, debts that many people have already settled years ago. The report noted that these data should have been deleted long ago. Noyb argues that Schufa is violating EU law by failing to provide complete and accurate copies of all processed data upon request, as ruled by the European Court of Justice. Noyb plans to pursue both a potential injunction lawsuit and a class-action lawsuit against Schufa, offering affected individuals the possibility of claiming up to €500 in non-material damages.
Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the issue as a legal violation by Schufa, emphasizing the rights of individuals and the role of regulatory bodies like the European Court of Justice. It highlights the actions of a left-leaning NGO (noyb) and criticizes Schufa’s practices using strong language such as 'Rechtsbruch
