Outline
Establishing a colour code or other scheme to categorise the openness of data makes it easier for public sector organisations to determine with whom data can be shared.
Links to the Revised PSI Directive
Challenge
How to ensure that data is shared with the authorised users even if some restrictions apply?
Public sector organisations often only consider what can be open for all. However, it may also be useful to publish data that can be shared under certain restrictions.
Solution
Both open data and data with restrictions can be published with an indication of how open it is:
- green for data that can be made available with no restrictions;
- yellow for data that is not open for all and has some restrictions;
- red for data than is highly sensitive and can only be made available under strict conditions.
Colour code is not the only way to denote the category of data openness. Other scheme with the similar meaning could be used as well.
Why is this a Best Practice?
This best practice allows a twin-track approach: 'publish early even if imperfect' and a commitment to a 'high quality core.' This twin-track policy will maximise the benefit within practical constraints. It will reduce the excuses for poor or slow delivery; it says 'get it all out and then improve.'
The categorisation is simple. It is not designed to facilitate a deep and exhaustive mapping of data in an organisation, but rather it allows for an initial overview and categorisation to get the ball rolling.
How do I implement this Best Practice?
The only major requirement here is that someone has responsibility to perform this for the organisation. Technical requirements are minimal. Some simple tools are necessary to assist in the identification and release of some data early.
Where has this best practice been implemented?
| Country | Implementation | Contact Point |
|---|---|---|
| Norway | Difi Traffic Light System | Heather Broomfield, Difi. |
References
Contact Info
Heather Broomfield, Difi (Norway).