Quick Take: Open Data but ensure trust | MediaNama

Quick Take: Open Data but ensure trust | MediaNama

India’s economy can thrive by leveraging open data from both public and private sectors, but this requires establishing a foundation of trust. Companies must feel secure that their valuable business intelligence is not arbitrarily seized by the government, encouraging them to share non-personal data for the public good. Without this confidence, enterprises will hesitate to release data that could drive broader innovation and economic growth. Simultaneously, the government must act as a transparent and reliable source of information by releasing high-quality data freely rather than selling it. Regulatory bodies should share industry metrics, such as telecom usage patterns, to support data-driven decision-making without harming businesses. By moving away from restrictive information requests and ensuring data reliability, the state can become a single source of truth that empowers both policymakers and enterprises. Crucially, privacy must be protected through strict purpose limitations to prevent discrimination when aggregate data is combined with personal information. The government must also stop selling sensitive personal details to third parties, ensuring that data release does not compromise individual rights. This balanced approach ensures that open data initiatives drive progress while maintaining ethical standards and public confidence in how information is managed and utilized.

Source: medianama.com
Published on 2023-01-12