Time to be open about Open Data

The concept of Open Data has been around for many years (the earliest I can find is around 2000, but there may well be much earlier usage). Yet some individuals still seem to be confused by the concept.

Here is the Open Data Handbook’s definition:
"Open data is data that can be freely used, re-used and redistributed by anyone - subject only, at most, to the requirement to attribute and sharealike."
https://opendatahandbook.org/guide/en/what-is-open-data/

This clear and understood approach to data provides increased transparency, improved decision making, fosters innovation and can increase civic engagement.

But its range of use can perhaps make it difficult for people to understand what Open Data is.

Here’s some examples:

Research:
Researchers & academics can use Open Data to study impacts and changes across economies, governments and populations

Business:
Organisations can Open Data to develop new products and services, such as a map app that shows the location and availability of parking spaces

Public Sector:
Governments can use Open Data to demonstrate and improve transparency & accountability, such as by publishing data on Public Sector spending.

Individuals:
Citizens and journalists can use Open Data to hold governments & authorities accountable, such as tracking the performance of local schools.

However, in my experience some people have deliberately misunderstood the term Open Data. Why?

Open Data can lead to change, and some people may be afraid of this. They may worry that Open Data will subsequently make it more difficult for them to control information, perhaps leading to job losses. Others may have vested interests in keeping data closed. For example, businesses may not want their competitors to have access to their data, and governments may not want citizens to have access to data that could be used to hold them accountable.

Ultimately Open Data is a powerful concept. It is therefore up to all of us to ensure that we all share the same definition and push for Open Data's continued societal benefit, not just the few.