Please note: The algorithm descriptions in English have been automatically translated. Errors may have been introduced in this process. For the original descriptions, go to the Dutch version of the Algorithm Register.
Anonymise
- Publication category
- Other algorithms
- Impact assessment
- DPIA
- Status
- In use
General information
Theme
Begin date
Contact information
Link to publication website
Link to source registration
Responsible use
Goal and impact
The aim of the anonymisation tool is to make personal data automatically unrecognisable. The algorithm used is a smart roadmap that helps the tool determine which information in a dataset is considered "personal", such as names, addresses, dates of birth or identification numbers. Once the algorithm has recognised this data, it performs operations to remove, obfuscate or replace it with generic terms.
Impact: For example, if you make a Woo request or are involved in municipal decision-making, you come into indirect contact with this algorithm. You don't see it, but it ensures that your data does not just end up on the streets.
Considerations
The Berkelland municipality publishes large quantities of documents. Manual checking of personal data is time-consuming and error-prone. By deploying the algorithm, documents can be anonymised faster and more reliably. This contributes to efficient implementation of the Open Government Act (Woo) and the General Data Protection Regulation (AVG).
In addition, the algorithm ensures equal treatment: every document is assessed according to the same logic, without personal preferences or employee interpretations influencing the result.
Human intervention
Although the algorithm automatically removes or obscures personal data from documents, the human role remains essential in the disclosure process. The results of the algorithm are reviewed, checked and, if necessary, adjusted by staff members before a document is finally published.
Risk management
Although the tool takes a lot of work off your hands, it is not error-free. Therefore, human control remains important.
Employees assess whether the tool has worked properly and adjust documents if necessary. There are clear guidelines for using the tool, including when manual correction is needed. Users of the tool are explained its operation, limitations and risks so they know what to look out for. Through regular evaluation and adjustment, the municipality ensures that the tool remains reliable. In this way, we carefully protect residents' privacy.
Legal basis
- AVG - General Data Protection Regulation: This law regulates how organisations should handle personal data. Anonymisation helps protect a person's privacy when published.
- UAVG - AVG Implementation Act: This law supplements the AVG for the Netherlands. It provides additional rules for public authorities and special data.
- Woo - Open Government Act: This act ensures openness of government information. Personal data cannot be made public just like that.
- Disclosure Act: This law regulates how documents are made public. Privacy must be properly protected when published.
- Awb - General Administrative Law Act: This act refers to the Woo when publishing. Therefore, anonymisation is also mandatory here.
- Wep - Electronic Publications Act: Public authorities must publish documents digitally. Personal data must be handled carefully when publishing.
Links to legal bases
- General Data Protection Regulation: https://wetten.overheid.nl/BWBR0041233/2023-11-01/0
- AVG Implementation Act: https://wetten.overheid.nl/BWBR0040940/2021-07-01/0
- Open Government Act: https://wetten.overheid.nl/BWBR0045754/2025-07-01
- Disclosure Act: https://wetten.overheid.nl/BWBR0004287/2024-01-01/0
- General Administrative Law Act: https://wetten.overheid.nl/BWBR0005537/2025-07-01/0
- Electronic Publications Act: https://wetten.overheid.nl/BWBR0043961
Link to Processing Index
Elaboration on impact assessments
An independent DPIA was carried out to test the operation of the algorithm for privacy and information security risks. The impact is indirect but real: the algorithm plays a crucial role in ensuring careful disclosure and preventing inadvertent breach of personal data. The processing is designed to be lawful, necessary and proportionate.
Residents come into contact with the algorithm when documents containing their personal data are put online, such as for permits, objections or Woo requests. The algorithm determines which data is removed or obscured, indirectly influencing their privacy and the level of disclosure.
Impact assessment
Operations
Data
Personal data appearing in spatial plans and internal documents.
These include:
- Names of persons
- Addresses and contact details
- Birth dates
- Citizen service number (BSN)
- License plates, IP addresses or other identifying numbers
- Health information or other sensitive data
- Information about family members or other data subjects
In addition, the tool can also be used to shield company data or security information if disclosure poses risks
Links to data sources
- Spatial plans and internal documents: https://www.ruimtelijkeplannen.nl/home
- Website municipality of Berkelland: https://www.gemeenteberkelland.nl/
- Administrative information municipality of Berkelland: https://berkelland.bestuurlijkeinformatie.nl/
Technical design
The tool uses language technology (NLP) to automatically recognise sensitive information in documents. With Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning, the software is getting better at learning which data should be anonymised. For example, the tool recognises names, addresses, signatures, licence plates and other sensitive or confidential information. Recognisations are shown as suggestions in an editor, so employees can check and modify them.
The AI is regularly retrained by language technology experts from supplier e-specialists so that the recognition becomes increasingly accurate. The tool works on the basis of language technology (NLP). We use Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning to continuously improve the software.
External provider
Link to code base
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- Field not filled in.
- Status
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