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, focus on people, their fundamental rights, and public values is of the utmost importance. 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 individuals in their digital lives means ensuring that people in the Netherlands can trust that algorithms adhere to public values and understand how these algorithms function.
The House of Representatives has passed several motions (in Dutch) calling for transparency, requirements, and oversight regarding the use of algorithms in government.
What’s planned?
The work agenda outlines various actions related to the use of algorithms and AI in the public sector, grouped into three action lines:
1. 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 can be found here.
2. Algorithm framework 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 and widely accepted implementation framework for all government bodies. The algorithm framework for the public sector uses an open source approach. It can be found here.
3. 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 (Dutch DAP) functions as the algorithm regulator in January 2023. Read the parliamentary letter about the establishment of the algorithm regulator (in Dutch).
You can learn more about the algorithm regulator of the Netherlands. The Dutch DAP publishes a report on algorithmic risk twice a year. You can find them here and here.
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. The ARK published a framework relating to the use of algorithms by the public sector. In 2021, algorithms were the main focus of a report.
What are algorithms?
An algorithm is a set of rules and instructions executed by a computer. Algorithms assist in analysing problems and making decisions, enabling the government to combine and analyse large volumes of data (source: Netherlands Court of Audit). For more information about algorithms, consider exploring resources like those available on Mediawijsheid.
