Profiling the welfare state: upholding or updating human rights standards? A case study of the Netherlands

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Date
2016
Authors
Hijmans, Nelleke
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Abstract
This thesis investigates the use of profiling as a fraud enforcement instrument in the execution of the participation law, the law which regulates the ‘bijstand’ in The Netherlands, a form of social benefits. Taking a social science approach, we conducted elite-interviewing in 13 Dutch municipalities. Fraud enforcement officers were interviewed on the extent to which and the way in which they profile. We found a large amount of profiling instruments that were, have been or will be used, ranging from the most basic human profiling to very advanced Big Data systems. The way in which these instruments are applied and valued as a tool also greatly differs, though municipalities were unanimous in their disappointment in the tool. With regards to human rights the most prominent risks were found to be risks of discrimination, privacy, and the right to a fair trail, specifically the principle of innocence until proven guilty.
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Second semester University: Université Libre de Bruxelles
Keywords
discrimination, fair trial, human rights, law enforcement, right of privacy, technological innovations, welfare fraud, The Netherlands, welfare state
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