How does the exchange of personal data affect people’s privacy and safety, to name but two examples? How do we ensure the safety of these data?
Reliable data are an essential ingredient for properly executing governmental duties. Whether it concerns emergency services turning out, efficiently determining if somebody is eligible for benefits, or fighting fraud. Key registers are already providing the government with the most essential data. The next step is a data landscape, in which more data are accessible and usable, within the boundaries of decent and responsible use of data.
The programme Regie op Gegevens, RoG (‘Control of Data’) is commissioned by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy and the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations to help citizens and businesses gain control over their own data. What this means, is that they can view, use or re-use, edit, or delete their data when organizing their affairs. For instance, there are smarter ways to organize care, financial statements, the application process for special transport, or taking out a mortgage. About the programme RoG identifies and analyses developments, risks and opportunities, puts them on the agenda and performs research. The programme also links public, private and social parties that are working on solving social problems or innovations. The principles in all of this are ‘people come first’ and ‘being in control of data’. Together, we work on creating a system of clear agreements to enable low-threshold and safe, free exchange of data, controlled by the individual.