Opening and Sustaining Government Data | IGF 2023 Networking Session #86

Knowledge Graph of Debate

Session report

Audience

In Kuwait, the importance of open data governance and sustainability is highlighted through the efforts of an Automated Systems Company. This company focuses on governing and sustaining open data to government entities. The emphasis is on ensuring that open data is effectively managed and utilized by government bodies in Kuwait, promoting transparency and accountability.

Similarly, in Sri Lanka, the government is actively working on various personal data collection initiatives. It recognizes the need for data governance models to ensure that personal data is collected and managed in a responsible and secure manner. The aim is to strike a balance between utilizing personal data for development and innovation while protecting individual privacy rights.

Advocacy for open data is taking place in the Maldives, where Women in Tech Maldives is playing a significant role. This advocacy seeks to enhance transparency and public access to government data. By promoting open data, the Maldives aims to foster innovation, drive economic growth, and encourage evidence-based decision-making.

In terms of research, a researcher from the University of Melbourne is studying the political implications of open government data. This research aims to understand how data governance practices can influence political processes and decision-making. By investigating the relationship between open government data and politics, insights can be gained on how to effectively utilize data for democratic governance.

Data management is a crucial aspect of government operations, and the National Centre for Information Technology in the Maldives is responsible for managing government data. Proper organization, storage, and sharing of government data are necessary to ensure effective decision-making and efficient public service delivery. However, it is noted that within the same entity, government departments often do not share data, highlighting the need for improved coordination and collaboration.

The COVID-19 pandemic has showcased the importance of open data in crisis response. Indian and South Korean models of open data were successful in the pandemic as they allowed governments to track people and manage emergencies effectively. However, it is argued that open data initiatives should be tailored to align with each country’s specific goals and agenda, rather than imitating models from elsewhere. Contextual factors such as security concerns need to be carefully considered.

The issue of data quality is raised in India, where a research case highlighted the problem of inadequate data details despite data being open and machine-readable. This led to wastage of public resources. The research emphasizes that quality standards and ethics must precede open data initiatives to ensure the accuracy and usefulness of the data being made available.

At the Internet Governance Forum (IGF), the balance between different themes such as freedom of expression, freedom of information, security, and privacy is discussed. It is recognized that different countries may have varying definitions and understanding of personally identifiable information. The need to find a balance between these themes to foster a supportive and inclusive digital environment is emphasized.

It is important to note that open data initiatives should be adaptable to changing governments. What may be acceptable and appropriate in one government may change with a change in leadership. Governments should be cautious and considerate of potential shifts in data access and use as political circumstances change.

Efficient government data management and transparency are key to effective governance. Top management must have access to timely and accurate data to make informed decisions. However, it is acknowledged that there may be challenges in accessing data within middle and lower levels of government, highlighting the need for improved transparency and data sharing within government structures.

Opening up data brings both opportunities and risks. It may lead to increased transparency, community engagement, and proactive governance. However, organizations may also be reluctant to share data due to concerns about damaging their reputation. Finding the right balance between openness and risk management is crucial.

A top-down approach to instigate open data is advocated. Bureaucrats may be occupied with daily work and not prioritize publishing information. The onus is on top leadership to recognize the importance of data and foster a culture of openness within government agencies.

Lastly, a noteworthy observation is that more open data can reduce the need for individual information requests. In Sri Lanka, the Right to Information Act permits individuals to request information, but opening up data sets can provide access to information without the need for individual requests. This can streamline the process and enhance government transparency.

In conclusion, the importance of open data governance and sustainability is underscored by various initiatives and research efforts across different countries. Proper data governance models, data quality standards, and ethical considerations are essential for effective utilization of open data. The balance between different themes such as freedom of expression, security, and privacy must be carefully managed. Governments, researchers, and advocacy groups all play a vital role in promoting open data and driving transparent and accountable governance.

Kait Holm

The development of the Open Data Portal ‘Bayanet’ in the UAE was a collaborative effort between the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA). The project involved various essential steps, including identifying and exploring data, cleaning and converting it, ensuring its quality, and sustaining it in the long term.

One of the significant challenges faced during the project was the inconsistency in how data was documented, making it difficult to consolidate and analyze effectively. Moreover, there was a disparity in the units used across data from different Emirates, further complicating the process of integrating and comparing data.

Another notable challenge was the need to convert data between Arabic and English. This language barrier required meticulous translation and interpretation to ensure accurate and consistent data. To address these challenges, the project enlisted the support of two data auditors, a language editor, and Kait, who examined each dataset meticulously to ensure its quality.

Furthermore, a Hackathon for Happiness was conducted, demonstrating the significance of the data and its potential applications. This event served as a platform to encourage engagement and collaboration, highlighting the importance of open data in driving innovation and societal well-being.

To sustain the value and relevance of the data, continual updates and maintenance were emphasized. Trainings were conducted to educate ministries on how to consistently update their data, ensuring its accuracy and timeliness. This effort led to the creation of Bayanet AI, an artificial intelligence system trained using the initial data published. This innovation facilitates efficient data analysis and enables users to benefit from the insights gained through the Open Data Portal.

In conclusion, the development of the Open Data Portal ‘Bayanet’ in the UAE involved a comprehensive process of finding, exploring, cleaning, converting, and ensuring the quality of the data. Overcoming challenges such as inconsistent documentation, unit disparity, and language barriers was vital to achieving the project’s goals. The emphasis on continual updates and the creation of Bayanet AI reflect the importance of sustaining open data to maintain its value and relevance. The successful implementation of this project highlights the UAE’s commitment to fostering innovation, promoting transparency, and harnessing the potential of open data for societal development.

Winnie Kamau

During the Zoom meeting, Kat requests that all participants introduce themselves in the chat to facilitate communication and acquaintanceship. This act of self-introduction is meant to encourage interaction and connection among attendees. Additionally, Kat wants to personally introduce the individuals present in the room.

By encouraging participants to introduce themselves in the chat, Kat provides an opportunity for them to share their background, expertise, or other important information with the group. This helps create a sense of community and camaraderie among the participants.

Kat’s intention to introduce those present in the room emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and including everyone, regardless of their location. This inclusive approach fosters a welcoming environment and ensures that every participant feels valued.

Overall, Kat’s request for introductions in the chat and the intention to introduce individuals in the room reflects a commitment to promoting open communication, collaboration, and unity within the Zoom meeting. By creating opportunities for participants to connect and get to know one another, Kat cultivates an atmosphere that encourages productive discussions and meaningful interactions.

Kat Townsend

The analysis highlights the importance of open data governance and transparency, with a focus on various key points. Firstly, Katherine Townsend, who has eight years of experience in the US federal government, currently works with Open Data Collaboratives and advocates for open data and government transparency. Her expertise in governmental advisory roles makes her a valuable asset in promoting open data initiatives. Additionally, Katherine has advised governments in countries such as Ghana, South Africa, Kenya, and the UAE, indicating her broad experience in the field.

Partnership between internal and external actors emerges as the most effective strategy for open data governance and sustainability. By working together, these actors can pool their resources, knowledge, and expertise to ensure the successful implementation and maintenance of open data initiatives.

Developing a culture of openness and providing training for both government officials and the public is crucial for fostering data governance. It is important to educate civil servants and individuals outside the government about the benefits of open data, as well as the social impact of their work. By doing so, a deeper understanding of data handling and the potential advantages of open data can be fostered.

To garner government support for open data policies, it is recommended to build a prototype that demonstrates the benefits of opening up a non-controversial dataset. This can help showcase the potential advantages and convince other government officials to get on board with open data initiatives.

Public announcement of open data initiatives plays a significant role in engaging public support and sustaining it. When open data is published, efforts should be made to rally public support through effective communication campaigns. This ensures that the public is aware of the initiatives and can actively participate in utilizing the data for various purposes.

Open data should be both technically and legally open, allowing for its reuse and redistribution. This means that the data should be easily accessible in a machine-readable format and should not be subject to restrictive usage or redistribution policies. The concept of open data encompasses the ability to use, reuse, and widely redistribute the data.

Efficient distribution and usage of open data are crucial for its economic and social benefits. It is necessary to convince governments and agencies to open up their data so that it can be effectively utilized. The analysis suggests that organizing events like hackathons can demonstrate the need for open data and its potential applications, further supporting the argument for its distribution.

Striking a balance between freedom of information and privacy and security is essential in open data policies. There are contextual differences in what is considered personally identifiable information, and a change in government can lead to a change in the perception of appropriate data. Therefore, policies must ensure that data openness does not compromise citizens’ privacy or security.

The quality and applicability of data are important aspects of open data initiatives. It is crucial to ensure that the data provided is reliable, accurate, and applicable to specific needs. The analysis highlights cases where insincere actors claim their data is open but fail to provide high-quality and applicable information. This emphasizes the importance of opening data with specific applications in mind.

The analysis suggests that every country should have its own open data policy tailored to its unique needs and goals. Since different countries and even subnational entities have differing needs, a one-size-fits-all global open data policy may not be feasible. Instead, individual countries can develop policies that align with their specific goals and circumstances.

Government entities may be hesitant to open up data due to the fear of criticism or damage to their reputation. However, engaging the community and framing data openness in a positive and proactive manner can help overcome resistance. By highlighting the benefits of open data and fostering a sense of community ownership, government entities can gain public support and overcome their fears.

Identifying a specific stakeholder who can champion data openness within a government entity is crucial for making incremental progress. This stakeholder can leverage their influence and advocate for open data initiatives, thereby creating a conducive environment for change and implementation.

Despite the challenges posed by bureaucratic systems, efforts to organize and share data can still be worthwhile. It is important to recognize that bureaucratic offices are often busy with administrative work and may not realize that making certain information public could actually facilitate their own processes. By raising awareness and demonstrating the benefits, bureaucratic entities can be encouraged to embrace open data initiatives.

Lastly, transparency and open data can help build reputation and facilitate civil activities. Certain countries already have laws in place that demand the publication of government data. By making data open and transparent, governments can build public trust and foster civil society initiatives.

Overall, the analysis provides valuable insights into different aspects of open data governance and transparency. It emphasizes the need for partnership, training, prototyping, public engagement, and careful consideration of privacy and security. By implementing these recommendations, governments can utilize open data to improve decision-making, foster innovation, and achieve sustainable development goals.

Speakers