The government must step up its efforts to combat racism and discrimination, according to the State Commission against Discrimination and Racism. Among other things, the commission recommends putting an end to data-driven profiling in the implementation of government tasks and services.
“Recent scandals have shown how deeply discrimination and racism can become ingrained in policy, algorithms and implementation practices,” writes (in Dutch) the commission. In this regard, it also refers to student financer DUO. Research (in Dutch) three years ago revealed that, in the investigation of fraud involving the basic grant for students living away from home, it was primarily students from migrant backgrounds who came under scrutiny.
This led to an apology from the government, the repayment of fines and compensation for the students who had been discriminated against. The state commission would rather prevent such problems than rectify them after the event.
Profiling
The government should therefore no longer use data-driven profiling. According to the commission, random spot checks or inspections without prior filtering reduce the risk of discrimination, are easier to justify and contribute to equal treatment and public trust.
And if the government does wish to assess who is a suspect? Then it must first demonstrate that the use of profiling is necessary and proportionate and assess whether there is no discriminatory effect.
DUO is indeed developing a new system to identify students who are misusing the basic grant for students living away from home. Education Minister Rianne Letschert has confirmed that this system will undergo an independent audit beforehand. (HOP, BB)
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