About the Algorithm Register
The government wants the government to use algorithms responsibly. People must be able to trust that algorithms meet the values and standards 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 critically monitor it and check whether it follows the law and the rules.
Responsible use of algorithms
The following processes, among others, contribute to responsible algorithm use:
- The Algorithm Register helps to make algorithms discoverable, to explain them better and to make their application and impact understandable.
- The Algorithm Supervisor (the Dutch Data Protection Authority) coordinates the monitoring of algorithms: do the government's algorithms comply with all the rules that apply to them?
- The Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations is working on the Algorithm Framework. This will make 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. The goals are briefly explained below. A more extensive explanation of the goals can be found in the Algorithm Register Guidelines.
Increasing trust in government
The government can only effectively offer social added value if there is trust in the government and people feel heard and involved. The Algorithm Register should help improve trust 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 on algorithm and AI use (Demystification)
For many people it is unclear 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.Responsible trading
The government must act responsibly. The Algorithm Register makes the government's actions more public.Increasing government accountability
If the government shows what it is doing, citizens and organizations can better control it. The Algorithm Register supports this control by society.Increase explainability
Filling in the Algorithm Register forces the government to explain its decision-making process and the application of algorithms in an understandable way. In addition, citizens can indicate whether an explanation is clear and whether they experience the operation in the same way.Be more transparent about trading
In order to provide openness and verifiability, the government must be transparent. Carefully filling the Algorithm Register is one of the ways to do that.
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 from this 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 is coming. Before that time, 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 in them.
For example, read the story of the municipality of Groningen.