Open government data

Data that is open can be freely used, reused and redistributed by anyone. Public bodies produce and commission huge quantities of data and information, and making this available in accordance with the principles for open data it can be a powerful good governance tool.

By making their datasets proactively available to all, public institutions become more transparent and accountable to citizens. This can help support a well-functioning democracy, driving the creation of innovative business and services that deliver social and commercial value, and enhancing participatory governance. Freely available information is also key to the public’s faith in government institutions more generally, as it enables them to assess government performance and make informed decisions at the ballot box.