Gladsaxe vulnerable children detection

A system used by Denmark's Gladsaxe municipality for identifying and assessing children at risk from abuse has come under severe criticism for scope creep. More broadly, it is seen to raise concerns about the role of algorithms in democratic societies. 

The so-called 'Gladsaxe Model' consists of custom algorithms drawing on parental health records, unemployment, missed medical and dental appointments and other data provided locally and by Denmark's Udbetaling Danmark benefits agency to produce a points-based risk assessment.

The hostile public reaction forced Gladsaxe to delay the roll-out of the system. However, the authorities had continued to develop and expand it with additional data, including household electricity use. 

Criticism from Denmark's data protection agency and a deepening political backlash led to the system's demise in 2019.