Dutch court halts electronic welfare monitoring system News
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Dutch court halts electronic welfare monitoring system

The District Court of The Hague ruled Wednesday that Netherland’s System Risk Indication (SyRI) violates the European Convention on Human rights.

SyRI had been developed to allow government authorities to share information about welfare recipients to curb abuse. The government outsourced the program to a private organization, “The Intelligence Agency.” The organization uses an algorithm to identify recipients who may be involved in fraud or abuse of the benefits, then transfers the data to the relevant government authority.

Eight individuals brought suit, arguing that SyRI targets the poor and violates rights to privacy found in the European Convention on Human Rights. Specifically, the plaintiffs asserted that SyRI fails to operate in a narrow manner, targeting low-income areas broadly.

The Dutch government defended the program as necessary to prevent abuse and control for fraud in the system. The state rejected the assertion of a broad natured program, citing the predefined standards the algorithm incorporates. Additionally, results from the program act only as a starting point for an investigation, not a determination of fraud or abuse.

The case is one of the first rulings on using technology to monitor welfare recipients. UN special rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights noted that the decision will set a precedent for other jurisdictions.

It is unclear if the Dutch government will appeal the court ruling.