The Register Modernisation Act (RegMoG) as the basis for seamless administration

The Register Modernisation Act (RegMoG) is an important step towards a modern and efficient public administration in Germany. It lays the foundations for the digitisation of registers with the aim of creating user-friendly administrative processes that are seamless across different media. In addition, it is intended to facilitate the collection of register-based statistics. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the RegMoG and its impact on the digitisation of public administration.

The RegMoG was passed by the German Bundestag in 2021 to drive forward the digitalisation of public administration and simplify administrative processes. It is based on the ‘once-only’ data collection principle, which was introduced by the EU through the Single Digital Gateway (SDG) Regulation. 

In addition to a register-based census, the aim is that, in future, data on citizens and businesses will be collected only once, so that it can then be stored reliably and securely in digital registers and retrieved automatically by the relevant authorities.

• Technical infrastructure for ‘Once-Only’ in Germany
• Legal framework for interoperable and modern registers
• Comprehensive identity management for individuals and businesses
• Stakeholder management and communication

The challenges lie not only in the domestic exchange of evidence but also in the smooth and automated exchange of data with the EU and the relevant interfaces (SDG Regulation). In both cases, so-called intermediary platforms are intended to facilitate the connection of the registers. In doing so, sensitive and personal data must be adequately protected, segregated and secured so as to prevent any conclusions being drawn about individuals (key term: ‘transparent individual’). This requires an interoperable and secure technical architecture (national or EU ‘Once-Only’ Technical System) that will connect registers and online services via a cross-sectoral infrastructure.

As the register modernisation programme progresses, particular attention must be paid, especially at local authority level, to adapting existing IT systems and processes to the new technical requirements. Furthermore, communication within a complex stakeholder landscape involving the Federal Office of Administration (which oversees the register modernisation programme as a whole), the conferences of line ministers, the federal states and local authorities presents a major challenge.

Above all, however, the modernisation of registers offers many opportunities for public administration, citizens and businesses. Thanks to the one-off data collection process, private individuals and businesses are consistently relieved of their obligation to provide supporting documents, as they do not have to submit their data multiple times for different applications. Above all, however, the modernisation of registers makes civil servants’ work easier, as it leads to end-to-end digitalisation of administration, and application processes and specialist procedures can be significantly accelerated or even automated. Furthermore, the quality and validity of the stored data are improved. By using standardised data, the administration can also respond more effectively to the needs of individuals and businesses and make decisions based on a solid data foundation.

In summary, it can be said that the Register Modernisation Act is an important step towards a modern and efficient public administration in Germany. However, it is important to take the necessary measures to ensure that the RegMoG is successfully implemented and that the objectives it sets out are achieved.

In order to successfully implement the Register Modernisation Act, the following measures, for example, are required:

• Data security: One of the most important measures is ensuring data security. This is achieved through the use of security measures such as encryption, firewalls and access controls, to ensure that the data of citizens and businesses is protected and not misused.
• IT systems and processes: Another necessary measure is the adaptation or redesign of existing IT systems and processes. This involves the implementation of standards and interfaces. This enables data to be exchanged between authorities whilst ensuring that administrative processes remain seamless.
• Training and support: It is important that administrative staff receive the necessary training and support to be able to use and implement the new IT systems and processes effectively.
• Public participation: Participation in public administration should be encouraged to ensure that citizens’ needs are taken into account and that their data is handled securely and confidentially.
• Regular monitoring and evaluation: It is important that the RegMoG is regularly monitored and evaluated to ensure that it is being implemented successfully and that the objectives it sets out to achieve are being met.
   

The implementation of the RegMoG is an ongoing process. It requires cooperation between various stakeholders, such as public authorities, IT service providers and members of the public. It is therefore extremely important to make the necessary resources available in order to drive the implementation forward successfully.