Are Algorithm Registers Transparent? Perspectives from Germany

Research from arXiv highlights that algorithm registers, designed to provide transparency into public sector algorithms, face challenges in achieving meaningful transparency. Specifically in Germany, the landscape is fragmented with no unified federal register, leading to varying scopes and objectives across existing state and federal initiatives. A conceptual proposal from 2025 outlines requirements for a national AI transparency register, which this research uses as an audit instrument.

The transparency of algorithms used in public administration is crucial for public trust, accountability, and democratic oversight. Fragmentation in regulatory approaches and disclosure standards can lead to inconsistencies, hinder public scrutiny, and potentially undermine the legitimacy of algorithmic decision-making.

Algorithm registers are public databases intended to disclose information about algorithms used in public administration.

Forward consideration, not a verified fact.