1.1 Understanding Open Data

Note: Content in this section is adapted from: Atenas, J., Bonina, C., Pane, J., & Belbis, J. (2021). What is open data? In Understanding data: Praxis and politics. HDI - Data, Praxis and Politics. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.4783601

Introduction

According to the International Open Data Charter,

“Open Data is digital data that is made available with the technical and legal characteristics necessary so that it can be freely used, reused and redistributed by anyone, at any time and anywhere."

The Charter emerged from a dialogue between governments and civil society and promotes the adoption of six core principles (outlined below).

Open Data has also been defined by the Open Knowledge Foundation as data that can be freely used, reused, and redistributed by anyone—subject only, at most, to the requirement to attribute and share alike.

The core technical principles of Open Data (see the Open Definition) can be summarised as follows:

Core Technical Principles

• Availability and Access : Data must be available as a whole and at no more than a reasonable reproduction cost, preferably by download over the internet. It must also be provided in a convenient and modifiable form.

• Reuse and Redistribution : Data must be provided under terms that permit reuse and redistribution, including intermixing with other datasets.

• Universal Participation : Everyone must be able to use, reuse, and redistribute the data. There should be no discrimination against fields of endeavour or against persons or groups. For example, “non-commercial” restrictions or limitations for specific purposes (e.g., only educational use) are not allowed.

The Six Principles of Open Data

The six principles developed by the Open Data Charter are globally agreed aspirational norms for publishing data:

1. Open by Default

This represents a shift in how governments operate and interact with citizens. Rather than requiring citizens to request information, there should be a presumption of publication. Governments must justify why data is kept closed (e.g., security or data protection reasons). Citizens must also feel confident that open data does not compromise their privacy.

2. Timely and Comprehensive

Open data is valuable only if it remains relevant. Governments should publish information quickly and as comprehensively as possible, ideally in its original, unmodified form.

3. Accessible and Usable

Data should be machine-readable and easy to disseminate, often through dedicated portals. File formats and user experience matter. Data should be free of charge and released under an open licence (e.g., Creative Commons).

4. Comparable and Interoperable

Data gains value when it can be combined with other datasets. Common data standards are crucial to ensure interoperability and maximise impact.

5. For Improved Governance & Citizen Engagement

Open data enhances transparency by allowing citizens to better understand government actions and hold institutions accountable. It can improve public services and strengthen democratic governance.

6. For Inclusive Development and Innovation

Open data can foster inclusive economic development and innovation. For example, it can improve agricultural efficiency, address climate change challenges, and support entrepreneurial ecosystems beyond the public sector.

Benefits of Open Data

The Government of Canada summarises the benefits of Open Data (see: https://open.canada.ca/en/open-data-principles) as follows:

• Support for Innovation : Access to knowledge resources in the form of data reduces duplication and promotes reuse, supporting private sector innovation.

• Advancing Accountability and Democratic Reform: Increased access to government data provides greater public insight into service delivery and the use of public funds.

• Leveraging Public Sector Information: Open access to scientific, statistical, geographical, and environmental data maximises public value. Reuse in commercial applications reduces time-to-market for businesses.

• Better Use of Public Infrastructure: Open data leverages investments in broadband networks, technical infrastructure, libraries, and community services.

• Support for Research: Access to federal research data supports evidence-based research across academic, public, and industry sectors.

• Informed Consumer Decision-Making: Access to public service data (e.g., real-time air travel statistics) enables consumers to make informed choices.

• Proactive Disclosure: Publishing relevant data proactively reduces administrative costs associated with responding to information requests, media inquiries, and public campaigns.