Warning over use of risk profiling to detect crime, fraud and debt
Photo: Depositphotos.com
Local authorities are increasingly using algorithms to try to identify potential lawbreakers such as criminal gangs and benefit fraudsters, according to a survey by NOS.
At least 25 municipalities use systems that create ‘risk profiles’ for offences that impact on council funding, as well as identifying people at risk of running up high debts.
The tax office was criticised for using dual nationality as an indicator of risk in families suspected of fraud in the childcare benefits scandal, which led to the resignation of the cabinet last month. A series of investigations found that many people were wrongly targeted and blacklisted because they made small administrative errors.