Tax authority to screen foreign bank cards 'with respect for privacy'

The federal tax authority in Belgium is to conduct an audit of foreign bank cards, but assures it will be done with full respect for privacy, says state secretary for privacy Philippe De Backer. He made the announcement in a press release after reaching several agreements with finance minister Johan Van Overtveldt.

De Tijd on Saturday reported that the Special Tax Inspectorate (STI) will screen all payments made with bank and credit cards via Worldline, Belgium's biggest payment operator. “We need to tackle tax fraud, but only in such a way that protects the privacy of citizens who are not involved in fraudulous activites,” explains De Backer (pictured). "The tax authorities do not need to know who is buying what.”

With the investigation, STI aims to track down and identify suspicious transactions with foreign cards. It will only find out the names behind the data when there is a proven need for further investigation in accordance with law and under judicial control.