The National Ombudsman wants it to be clear to citizens what they can expect from the government in terms of decency when it uses data and algorithms whose effect affects the citizen personally. To this end, he is developing an ombudsman's vision on the proper use of data and algorithms by the government. The ombudsman's vision must also help the government guarantee the citizen's perspective when drawing up guidelines for the use of data.
The government is using more and more data and algorithms in processes and systems. (Fundamental) rights of citizens must be protected in the process. Citizens must not become victims of unwanted or unjustified consequences of, for example, automated decision-making or profiling, and must be able to defend themselves against this. The Ombudsman sees that the government pays a lot of attention to this and draws up guidelines for the use of data and algorithms. How these will work out in practice for citizens and for those who will work with them remains to be seen. In order for this to proceed as smoothly as possible, the Ombudsman considers it essential that the government include the citizen's perspective in this development and implementation phase. His ombudsman vision will provide guidance for this. He will release this in early 2021.
In developing its ombuds vision of proper use of data and algorithms by the government, the National Ombudsman also keeps in close contact with the Court of Audit and the Raad van State , which also deal with this topic.
