TITLE: Netherlands' Personal Data Protection Authority Seeks Input on Automated Decision-Making Guidance
BODY:
On April 21, 2026, the Autoriteit Persoonsgegevens (AP), the Netherlands' personal data protection authority, launched a consultation seeking input from organisations, experts, and stakeholders on guidance for explaining automated decision-making to individuals.
The AP is developing practical guidance to help organisations comply with transparency obligations when making automated decisions that have significant consequences for individuals. Under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), individuals have the right to receive an explanation when organisations make automated decisions affecting them, such as credit assessments or employment screening. The guidance will address what information must be included in explanations: confirmation that automated decision-making occurred; expected consequences and significance of the decision; the underlying logic of the decision; and individuals' rights and how to exercise them.
The AP recognises that providing clear explanations can be challenging, particularly when algorithms are inherently difficult to interpret. The guidance will offer practical examples and address scenarios where competing interests arise, such as protecting another individual's data or safeguarding trade secrets. The AP is also conducting research with Utrecht University on effective communication methods for explaining algorithmic decision-making. Upon finalisation, the AP will publish the guidance alongside a step-by-step implementation plan for organisations and an overview of rights for individuals.
The consultation period closes on May 26, 2026. Organisations and stakeholders are invited to submit feedback via email to ppa@autoriteitpersoonsgegevens.nl, including practical experiences, successful approaches, or identified challenges.
**Reference:**
Autoriteit Persoonsgegevens. "AP vraagt input over uitleg bij geautomatiseerde besluitvorming." April 21, 2026. https://autoriteitpersoonsgegevens.nl/