WILLEMSTAD – The Curaçao Parliament has adopted a motion calling on the government to urgently strengthen the protection, security, and confidentiality of personal and financial data held by the Tax Department. The motion was adopted during the public parliamentary session of January 26, 2026, and was approved with a general vote.
In the motion, parliament notes that the Tax Department handles large volumes of sensitive personal and financial information belonging to both citizens and businesses in Curaçao. This includes bank account numbers, addresses, financial status, and other data that, if improperly accessed or disclosed, could seriously affect individuals’ privacy and economic position.
Parliament further points to deficiencies in internal controls, documentation, and reliable registration systems, which together create a significant risk of data loss, abuse, or unlawful disclosure of personal information. According to the motion, these risks undermine trust in public administration and expose citizens and businesses to potential harm.
The motion emphasizes that a tax system should not only focus on collecting revenue, but must also ensure fair, dignified, equal, and respectful treatment of taxpayers, without preferential treatment or discrimination.
Based on these considerations, parliament urges the government to take several concrete steps. These include guaranteeing the protection, security, and confidentiality of personal and business data within the Tax Department as a top public service priority. The government is also asked to ensure that all interactions with taxpayers are guided by principles of equality, transparency, respect for human dignity, and strict protection of non-public information.
In addition, parliament is requesting that the government submit, within a short timeframe, a comprehensive data management plan. This plan should include the modernization of digital systems, clear procedures for access, use, and storage of personal data, measures to prevent the use of informal channels for handling sensitive information, and mandatory training for staff on data protection and confidentiality.
The motion also calls on the government to keep parliament regularly informed about progress in implementing these measures and to immediately report any security incidents that could put personal or business data at risk.
A copy of the adopted motion has been forwarded to the Government of Curaçao.