About the Algorithm Register

The government wants the government to use algorithms responsibly. People must be able to trust that algorithms comply with the values and norms of society. And there must be an explanation of how algorithms work. When the government is open about algorithms and their application, citizens, organizations and media can monitor it critically and check whether it is following the law and the rules.

Responsible algorithm use

The following processes, among others, contribute to responsible algorithm use:

The Algorithm Register helps to make algorithms findable, better explained and their application and impact understandable.
The Algorithm Supervisor (the Dutch Data Protection Authority) coordinates the control of algorithms: do the government algorithms comply with all applicable rules?
The Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations is working on the Algorithm Framework. This makes it clear to governments what requirements apply to algorithms and how they can ensure that their algorithms can meet them.
Legislation: there will be a legal obligation for transparency of algorithms. This was announced in the letter to parliament of December 2022.

Goals of the Algorithm Register

What do we want to achieve with the Algorithm Register? The goals of the Algorithm Register are interrelated, as this image shows. The goals are briefly explained below the image. A more detailed explanation of the goals can be found in the Algorithm Register Guide.

Increasing trust in the government
The government can only effectively provide social added value if there is trust in the government and people feel heard and involved. The Algorithm Register should help improve confidence in the government.
Strengthening the position of citizens and companies
The Algorithm Register provides citizens and companies with more information about how government processes work and what choices have been made.
More clarity about algorithm and AI use (Demystification)
Many people are unclear about what an algorithm is and how it affects their lives. The Algorithm Register provides insight into where and how the government uses algorithms and AI.
Act responsibly
The government must act in a responsible manner. The Algorithm Register makes government actions more public.
Increasing the controllability of the government
If the government shows what it is doing, citizens and organizations can monitor it better. The Algorithm Register supports this control by society.
Increase explainability
Filling the Algorithm Register forces the government to explain its decision-making process and the application of algorithms in a comprehensible way. In addition, citizens can indicate whether an explanation is clear and whether they experience the operation the same.
Be more transparent about trading
In order to provide openness and accountability, the government must be transparent. Carefully filling the Algorithm Register is one of the ways to do this.

Open development

The first version of the Algorithm Register was launched in December 2022. This forms the basis for further development. By putting the solution into practice, we can gain knowledge and experience. We develop the register openly, together with experts, (potential) users and stakeholders. For example, in 2023 the report ' Target group analysis Algorithm register ' was published. More and more points for improvement have been incorporated into this website.

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More and more algorithms

The Algorithm Register is not yet complete. Providing information about algorithms is not yet mandatory for government organizations. That obligation will come. Before then, more and more government organizations are publishing information about their algorithms. Because they want to be open and transparent about their processes and the use of algorithms.

For example, read the story of the municipality of Groningen.