The Administrative Data Information Platform of the Federal Statistical Office for the first time provides a comprehensive overview of the data held by public authorities.
The platform helps the statistical offices to further increase the use of administrative data. The platform makes it easier to determine whether data that are required for compiling certain statistics are available in existing stocks of administrative data. Avoiding surveys in this way reduces the burden on business and public authorities.
To populate the Administrative Data Information Platform with information which is as comprehensive as possible and at the same time facilitate long-term quality assurance, the legislators have amended Section 5a of the Federal Statistics Act (BStatG). On this basis, the Federal Statistical Office liaises with the register-keeping authorities. The long-term goal is to provide correct and timely data on the Administrative Data Information Platform while minimising the burden on the parties involved.
Only metadata are stored on the Administrative Data Information Platform. In addition to general information, for instance, on register management or technical and legal aspects, the platform provides detailed descriptions of the variables, like family name or e-mail address, included in the data stocks. Individual data such as "John Smith" or "jsmith@mail.de" are never accessed in this context.
Designed as a web-based database, the Administrative Data Information Platform for the first time enables users from the political, administrative and academic communities and the public at large to find out what kind of data are stored on whom in what place.
A special search function of the platform permits multiple data storage to be identified. Where appropriate, the platform can thus help achieve even greater data economy and implement observance of the once-only principle. The idea is that repeating the same information should be avoided by an authority if it is already available elsewhere.
Furthermore the Administrative Data Information Platform renders administrative activities more transparent as the general public can intuitively find out what kind of information is stored by which authority, and who has access to this information. This transparency is a major aspect of a modern, digital administration.
The Administrative Data Information Platform was for the first time be presented to the general public in summer 2021.