Transparency register with gaps: AI use by public administration remains opaque

The expansion of the national AI Transparency Register across all administrative levels in Germany aims to increase oversight of artificial intelligence use within the public sector. This move, driven by the IT Planning Council, seeks to improve transparency regarding the application of AI tools in various governmental functions. However, the extent to which this enhances public knowledge remains unclear. The register, initiated a year ago, is part of the "Marketplace of AI Opportunities" (MaKI), and currently includes about 240 entries detailing AI applications at the federal level. The database is managed by the Federal Ministry of Digital Affairs and Transport, with data provided by the federal authorities themselves. The IT Planning Council plans to fully integrate the MaKI, including the Transparency Register, by early 2027. The initiative impacts all citizens by potentially increasing their understanding of how AI influences public services, from groundwater analysis to street condition assessments. Currently, the register relies on voluntary reporting from agencies, which could limit its effectiveness. The goal is to provide a comprehensive overview of AI usage in public administration, which is considered crucial for a well-functioning digital infrastructure. The expansion reflects a broader trend of integrating AI into public administration, as digital minister Karsten Wildberger emphasized. This underlines the growing importance of AI in the digital transformation of public services.