Now that we have achieved Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) reforms in the United States, it's critical that we use what we've learned over the past decade of releasing data online to improve not only the process but public knowledge itself. Our Congress has once again affirmed that accessing information is a right, not a privilege, and that the right is enjoyed by all citizens — not just media or industry players with advantage or influence.
In that context, governments should connect the demand expressed in freedom of information requests to the proactive disclosure of open data. This statement might look like common sense, but it's still not happening in far too many cities, states and federal governments. Continue…
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