Over 1,300 algorithms have now been published by more than 500 participating government organisations. Last year, the Algorithm Register of the Dutch government reached a significant milestone. This success is partly due to the Municipality of Amsterdam, which has been a frontrunner and source of inspiration in algorithmic transparency for years.
From smart traffic lights and congestion predictors to risk profiling and tax return selection, the government’s use of algorithms has become a key topic of interest in recent years. The Dutch childcare benefits scandal painfully illustrated what can go wrong when automated systems are implemented without adequate oversight, transparency, and human input. One of the most crucial tools for regaining public trust in government systems is the Algorithm Register, where authorities disclose which algorithms they use, their purpose, and the safeguards in place.
From local innovation to national standard
The Algorithm Register did not emerge out of thin air. As early as 2019, Amsterdam, along with Helsinki, became the first city in the world to establish a public algorithm register. This placed the municipality at the forefront of national and international discussions on the responsible use of data and algorithms. “We are still proud of that,” says Lisette Kalshoven, Team Lead for Digital Rights and Ethics at the Municipality of Amsterdam.
Foundation of trust
The purpose of the Algorithm Register extends beyond mere transparency. According to Suzie Kewal, Head of AI and Algorithm Policy at the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations (BZK), it ultimately comes down to the government’s reliability. “By providing insight into algorithm use, we increase the accountability of government organisations. Citizens and businesses gain a stronger position because algorithmic decisions become more explainable. Regulators also have a starting point for assessing whether processes are conducted carefully.”
BZK is therefore actively ensuring that registrations are not only technically correct but also easy to understand. Authorities describe their algorithms with citizens in mind: what the algorithm does, where it is applied, and its impact on residents.
Why Amsterdam values transparency so highly
One of the reasons Amsterdam prioritised transparency regarding its use of algorithms was to strengthen the trustworthiness of government, Kalshoven explains. “Secrecy breeds distrust. When citizens see that the municipality is open and honest about its use of technology, it fosters trust in policy and implementation.”
As another reason for transparency, Kalshoven highlights democratic accountability. “The government makes decisions on behalf of citizens or decisions that affect citizens. If algorithms assist in these decisions, such as in granting benefits, permits, or oversight, people must be able to understand how these decisions are made. Without transparency, oversight becomes impossible, and citizens cannot effectively challenge decisions when things go wrong.”
Furthermore, algorithms can unintentionally cause discrimination. “By being open about how an algorithm works, you push yourself as an organisation to stay critical,” says Kalshoven. “You continually review processes against current laws and regulations. This helps ensure that outcomes are fair and just.”
Key player in the Algorithm Register
When the Dutch House of Representatives called for a national Algorithm Register, involving Amsterdam from the start was a natural choice. “The municipality had already gained extensive experience with its own algorithm register,” says Kewal. “Additionally, they had taken internal steps to raise awareness about the responsible use of algorithms. This combination served as important inspiration for the Algorithm Register.”
As of 1 January 2025, Amsterdam’s algorithm register was merged into the Algorithm Register, making it more efficient and reducing the municipality’s management costs. This resulted in a single central platform where authorities can publish their algorithms.
Publishing alone not enough
Both BZK and Amsterdam emphasise that the Algorithm Register is not an end in itself. “It is a tool to strengthen democracy,” says Kewal. “Registration is just the starting point. The real work lies in the discussion about safeguards, risks, and responsibilities. For example, have you conducted a timely impact assessment? Should certain applications perhaps be discontinued? This conversation must take place at all levels, not just on a national one.” Amsterdam also realised early on that mere publication was insufficient. In 2020, the municipality developed an algorithmic governance framework, featuring concrete tools to assess whether an algorithm can be deployed responsibly. This includes checks for privacy, bias, and legality.
Ethics at the heart of digitalisation
An important tool within the municipality is the Quality Assurance Acceptance Criteria (QAA). This tool guides departments step by step through quality requirements for digitalisation, including algorithms, privacy, and security. “It always starts with the ethical question: should we even want to do this?” Kalayciyan explains.
Furthermore, Amsterdam created the so-called ‘Ethische bijsluiter‘ (Dutch), an information sheet that helps professionals use algorithms responsibly and transparently in public services, publicly available through OpenResearch. This approach involves project teams in discussions about the value of technology or the challenges it presents. “Not everything that is technically possible and legally permissible should necessarily be done,” says Kalayciyan.
Towards mature transparency
The ambitions for the future are substantial. BZK aims to reach the milestone of 1,600 published algorithm descriptions in 2026 while further improving its quality. “Transparency is more than just stating that you use an algorithm,” says Kewal. “It’s also about explaining how it works, where it fits in the process, and what safeguards protect citizens from issues like discrimination.”
To achieve this, BZK has asked the Audit Service of the Kingdom to investigate how organisations currently experience the publication process and how consistently registrations are completed. The findings should help improve guidance and support.
“We’re not there yet,” concludes Kewal. “But we have laid a solid foundation. We are moving from unconscious incompetence to conscious competence. This is a collective transition, and we can be proud of what we have achieved. The commitment and pioneering role of Amsterdam have undoubtedly contributed to this.”
