Open information and utilisation of government information
| Audit Id | 1568007159231 |
|---|---|
| Título | Open information and utilisation of government information |
| Tí tulo en el idioma original |
Avoin tieto ja viranomaistiedon hyödyntäminen Finnish |
| Año | 2019 |
| Asunto |
Government Operations (Budget and Spending) ICT and Systems Analysis Infrastructure Science, Technology and Innovation |
| Tipo |
Performance |
| Tipo de acción |
Performed by single SAI |
| Descripción | The subject matter of the audit was opening central government’s most important datasets for the use of other authorities, trade and industry, and citizens. The objective was to find out whether the overall state interest is realised in the opening of datasets. Open Government data is important, as it, for example, increases the transparency of government activities, provides raw material for new business, and enables the development of administration. Most administrative branches believe that they will be able to open their most important datasets by 2020. However, there is not enough comparable, up-to-date and sufficiently descriptive information available on datasets. This defect has a negative effect on the finding of the datasets needed. The situation can be improved by developing procedures for describing datasets, their contents, the status of their opening and related plans, and similar issues, and by publishing the descriptive information in a controlled manner and so that it is easy to find. A frequent argument for not opening datasets is the confidentiality of data. For example, as regards personal data, there is a high risk for individuals’ rights and freedom as technology advances and the costs for its use go down while new data becomes available. To manage the risk, it is necessary to instruct how information to be protected is converted into data to be opened in an adequate manner in view of risk management. Another common argument for not opening a dataset is loss of revenues. However, the net revenues from the sale of data are low compared with the costs of building and maintaining datasets. In addition, even low charges collected for the use of the data reduce its use, and open data also serves other purposes for which central government grants money. In view of this, budgeting should be based on comprehensive planning of central government operations and finances instead of the scope and budget balance being limited to individual government authorities. |
| Autor |
Finland |
| Materiales |
Audit report Finnish Summary Swedish Press release Swedish Press release English Summary English |
| Contacto |
|
Presidencia:
Miembro:
Dirección postal:
Teléfono:
Correo electrónico:
Dirección Web: