Netherlands – The Dutch government's Algorithm Register
The Dutch government published a public algorithm register on 21 December 2022. The register was announced in the Dutch government's coalition agreement, and a first version has been delivered. The government wants algorithms used by the government to be legally checked for discrimination and arbitrariness. The register should ensure transparency and should make an important contribution to making the application and outcome of algorithms more explainable. The Netherlands hereby follows the example of the cities of Amsterdam and Helsinki, which already have algorithm registries at the city level.
What: Administrative decision
Impact score: 3
For who: Policy makers, government officials, researchers, citizens, journalists
Key Takeaways for Flanders
- The Dutch example, together with Amsterdam's algorithm registry, can serve as inspiration for Flemish authorities and cities.
URL:
- The algorithm register: https://algoritmes.overheid.nl/
- The official announcement: https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/documenten/kamerstukken/2022/12/21/kamerbrief-over-het-algoritmeregister
- The ambitions of the cabinet of State Secretary Van Huffelen (Digitalisation): https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/documenten/kamerstukken/2022/11/04/kamerbrief-tk-aanbieding-werkagenda-waardengedreven-digitaliseren
The Dutch government wants to get a better grip on the algorithms it uses. It is doing so because in recent years it has faced several scandals surrounding the use of algorithms. Besides an algorithm database, a Fundamental Rights and Algorithms Impact Assessment was also introduced for government departments earlier in 2022.
The algorithm register aims to make information about algorithms centrally findable for everyone. In this way, everyone can see in which impactful processes algorithms are used. The information allows monitoring algorithms. When people disagree with the use of algorithms, the algorithm register indicates where objections can be made. The development of the register drew on knowledge from pilots and experience with the existing internal algorithm registers of government organisations. In the run-up to the launch, discussions were held with civil society organisations in the field of human rights and with other external experts.
Currently, government institutions are encouraged, but not obliged to add the algorithms they use in the registry. The overview on the website is therefore not complete. The registry also does not currently use an exact definition for an algorithm. This is because the Dutch government is anticipating the EU AI Act. The AI Act will likely include a registration requirement for high-risk AI systems. The Dutch government will use the same definition as the one that will be used in the AI Act. From 2025, the Dutch register will be mandatory when the preparatory work around the AI act is completed.