New Technologies, Data and Ethics
Businesses, institutions, and governments are increasingly investing in using and adopting new technological capabilities. At the same time, there is an ever-growing availability of data. Everything from our internet searches to the communication among internet-connected devices generates new data. From these vast quantities of data (‘big data’), computers are becoming more adept at swiftly filtering and utilising information through algorithms.
Prioritising rights and values in the digital age
The advancements offered by technology and data call for heightened attention to rights and values. Take artificial intelligence, for example — will humans maintain control over computer-driven decisions in the future? Will our actions be genuinely autonomous, or subtly influenced? How do we address the impact of digitalisation on the relationship between the government and citizens, and on democracy itself? Fundamentally, we’re facing questions about the kind of society we wish to inhabit. What implications do these developments have for the government’s structure and operation?
Files on this theme
Big data
When it comes to the use of data, the government has to set the right example. We prepare a National Data Agenda, detailing how the government as a whole is going to improve its processes for dealing with personal data, open data, and big data. We are going to review how analyzing and combining sets of government data can benefit policy-making and solving social issues. We want to make better use of the possibilities big data has to offer, taking into account rights and public values.
Blockchain
Blockchain is a promising and innovative technology, that has the potential to serve society and government well by protecting basic rights and public values, but at this time much is uncertain, and the promise has not been made good yet. The Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations is conducting research into the topic ‘blockchain and ethics’, to identify possible consequences of using blockchain technology for our public values.
Data Agenda Government
This agenda sets out how data can be used (even) better to improve policy-making and resolve social issues. We also pay specific attention to the protection of public values and fundamental rights. This agenda is called: NL DIGITAAL: Data Agenda Government (in Dutch: Data Agenda Overheid). In the introduction, we describe the context and reasons for creating this agenda. In chapters 1 to 5, we describe our approach to a number of specific themes, each articulated into specific actions. Finally, we discuss the financing and provide an overview of all our actions.
Open Data
The government wants to make its information and software available and accessible to everybody, in so far as possible. Open data offers non-governmental parties the chance to develop services. Open source software increases transparency about how the governmental systems work, and prevents us from being bound to one or a few suppliers.
Privacy
The protection of citizen and consumer privacy remains a focal point. Protecting personal data and personal space helps to increase trust in digital services, enabling them to expand. As soon as transparency, control, and the previously mentioned data exchange rules are in place, the legislation to protect privacy can be simplified.
Public Values
As a guardian of the Constitution, the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations (BZK) plays a pivotal role in safeguarding public values. Through legislation and policy, it aims (in collaboration with others) to protect values ranging from transparency to privacy. Digitalisation impacts these public values. It offers numerous opportunities to enhance the quality of life of citizens. However, reports also highlight the potential downsides of digitalisation.
