The Uncertain Relationship between Open Data and Accountability
Tiago Peixoto – Open government data, often equated with transparency by its advocates, emerges as the new low-hanging fruit of good governance.In the absence of a free press, open data stands little chance of entering the public arena to foster accountability. In a similar vein, in the absence of an environment that enables citizens to hold rulers accountable, express preferences, and influence policy, little can be achieved.
As a whole, this analysis advises caution on the part of policymakers and advocates with regard to the potential of open data to foster accountability. Even when data is politically important, accounting for the publicity and political agency conditions might be a commendable reflection for a better understanding of the prospects and limits of open data.
Reading Development 