A new registry empowers the Slovenian public to monitor the use of AI systems by public institutions

The registry aims to enhance transparency and accountability of AI systems

Danes je nov dan has developed the Public Sector AI Registry, a platform that provides insight into the use of artificial intelligence systems by Slovenia’s public institutions. The initiative is aimed at enhancing transparency in AI deployment while also advocating for full accountability and responsibility from public institutions in their adoption and use of these technologies.

Artificial intelligence is becoming increasingly prevalent in the public sector. It can be used for everything from basic data analysis to complex automated decision-making and trend forecasting. However, its use also raises serious concerns about reliability, accountability, and the potential for misuse or violations of rights. This makes responsible management and complete transparency essential to ensure AI serves the public interest without compromising trust or integrity.

Useful tool for the public, journalists and civil society

Despite concerns, the Slovenian public has so far lacked access to systematically collected data on how and why artificial intelligence is used by public institutions. This gap has now been addressed by the Public Sector AI Registry, which was developed by Danes je nov dan. The platform offers a clear and accessible overview of AI systems operated by public institutions as well as their impact on society and individuals.

The registry seeks to put pressure on these institutions to adopt more transparent and deliberate approaches when using artificial intelligence. It also aims to encourage journalists to investigate AI use in the public sector more thoroughly, building on the registry’s findings to uncover new insights. It provides civil society organisations with the resources they need to hold institutions accountable and challenge questionable practices.

What’s next?

The registry is still in its early stages, so it currently features only a handful of the most significant use cases. Danes je nov dan is gathering information through research of publicly available sources and direct requests, while also inviting public contributions to help uncover additional examples, and verifying them before adding them to the registry. This is especially important, as the limited responses provided by institutions highlight a lack of attention to AI in the public sector. Despite this, the registry will be continuously updated, as its creators firmly believe that public oversight is key to mitigating risks like bias, discrimination, and privacy violations.

Contribution by: EDRi affiliate, Danes je nov dan