Open data has been hailed as a tool for transparency and accountability, but it’s not without its shortcomings. Despite the optimism, there are significant obstacles to its effective use, particularly in the field of international development.
A key issue is the complexity of the data. Often, it’s not easily understood by those who need it most. This is compounded by a lack of data literacy skills among many stakeholders, making it difficult for them to interpret and use the data effectively.
Another problem lies in the quality of the data itself. In many cases, it’s not up-to-date, accurate, or complete, which undermines its usefulness. Even when the data is of good quality, there’s often a lack of context, making it hard to understand its real-world implications.
Lastly, there’s a concern about the digital divide. Many of those who could benefit most from open data — such as people in developing countries — lack the necessary technology and internet access to use it.
Therefore, while open data has potential, these challenges need to be addressed to realise its full benefits. Efforts should focus on improving data quality, promoting data literacy and bridging the digital divide.
Go to source article: http://brokentoilets.org/article/open-data-delusion/