The Dutch public sector is increasingly utilising algorithms, for instance, to swiftly assist citizens with applications for government services or to address societal challenges such as the energy transition. When deploying algorithms in the public sector, it is of the utmost importance to focus on people, their fundamental rights, and public values. We promote this through greater transparency about the algorithms used by the government, setting clear requirements for their use, and ensuring proper oversight.
Why focus on algorithms?
Empowering people in their digital lives means ensuring that algorithms align with public values and that citizens understand how they work.
However, the government’s use of algorithms has not always been flawless. For instance, during fraud detection for childcare allowance applications, citizens’ fundamental rights were violated. This must never happen again.
The Dutch House of Representatives adopted several motions (Dutch) on transparency, requirements, and oversight of government algorithms. The 2024 Digitalisation Policy Letter (Dutch) also emphasises the importance of algorithms and AI.
What is the plan?
The work agenda outlines various actions related to the use of algorithms and AI in the public sector, grouped into 3 action lines:
Development of an Algorithm Register for public transparency
On 21 December 2022, the first version of the government’s Algorithm Register was launched. This register makes information about the application and outcomes of algorithms accessible and understandable. It enables citizens to critically monitor and question the government, ensuring adherence to regulations. Learn more about the Algorithm Register. The Dutch Algorithm register for the public sector is an open source project; more information is available here.
An algorithm framework that sets clear requirements
Government organisations need to understand the requirements for responsible use of algorithms and AI. Various tools have been developed to better apply laws and regulations. The algorithm framework prioritises and streamlines these tools, providing practical guidance through all stages of an algorithm’s lifecycle. Best practices, use cases, and feedback from end users and regulators contribute to a strong, widely accepted implementation framework for all government bodies. The algorithm framework for the public sector uses an open source approach. It is available here (Dutch).
Regulatory oversight to protect fundamental rights and public values
The aim of the algorithm regulator is to better safeguard public values and fundamental rights in the use of algorithms and to enhance transparency. This includes assisting (government) organisations in responsibly leveraging the potential of algorithms and enabling existing regulators to conduct clear and effective oversight of algorithm use. The Dutch Data Protection Authority (Autoriteit Persoonsgegevens, AP) functions as the algorithm regulator in January 2023. See the parliamentary letter about the establishment of the algorithm regulator (in Dutch).
You can learn more about the Netherlands’ algorithm regulator. The Dutch AP publishes a report on algorithmic risk twice a year.
Additionally, organisations such as the Central Government Audit Service (ADR) and the Netherlands Court of Audit (ARK) monitor the use of algorithms within the central government.
Developing procurement requirements for third-party algorithms
A working group on public procurement of algorithms and AI (Dutch) has been established to define standards for government acquisition of algorithms from external providers. Discussions and collaborative efforts on this topic are also underway on GitHub (Dutch).
What are algorithms?
An algorithm is a set of rules and instructions executed by a computer. Algorithms help analyse problems and make decisions. This enables the government to combine and analyse large volumes of data (source: Netherlands Court of Audit). For more information about algorithms, consider exploring resources available on Mediawijsheid (Dutch).
