On 14/01/2011 17:14, Stefan Magdalinski wrote:
On 14 Jan , at 18:19:03, Mark Goodge wrote:
That's an interesting list of data sources, and they have very
different public perceptions. Most people, for example, would argue
that DVLA data is too open, rather than not being open enough - a
common complaint is that it's too easy for commercial organisations
to obtain the names and addresses of registered keepers. There are
also significant privacy issues related to Land Registry and
Companies House data.
Ah, the classic DPA/FOIA switcheroo that MPs used to claim they
should be exempt from FOI - but also totally spurious. Personally
identifiable information isn't something the government should be
publishing (and generally doesn't - the Opt-in Electoral Register
being a heinous example), but that's comprehensively covered by the
DPA.
On the contrary, there are some items of personally identifiable data
that the government is absolutely required (both by law and common
justice) to publish. The full electoral register is one such - the fact
that anyone is entitled to inspect a copy is fundamental to democracy.
Company directorships and land registry data are other examples - these
need to be public, for the sake of transparency.
But, on the other hand, people have a reasonable expectation (I'd stop
short of calling it a right) that their personal details will not be
freely available to all and sundry. Once data has been released under an
open licence and reused, it will inevitably be reverse searchable and
show up on Google and Bing, meaning that it essentially ceases to be
private at all. There are very good reasons why a lot of people may not
eb entirely happy with this.
Which is one of the reasons why the prospect of the government
monetising data isn't necessarily a bad thing. There is some
information where elements of price-rationing may help to minimise
abuse.
If you have one, I'd like to see an example where this actually
works, rather than restricting access to bad actors with money.
It works reasonably well for the land registry. The information is
available to anyone who needs it, but the costs of creating a full
database would be prohibitive even for large corporations.
I'm not suggesting that price-rationing is an ideal solution. But it is
one option, and may possibly be more effective than some others.
Mark
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