Open Data Principles:
The FSA works to make data available in accordance with the open government data policy issued in June 2020.
- Complete: Datasets released by the government should be as complete as possible, reflecting the entirety of what is recorded about a particular subject. All raw information from a dataset should be released to the public, except to the extent necessary to comply with valid privacy or security requirements regarding the release of personally identifiable information. Metadata that defines and explains the raw data should be included as well, along with formulas and explanations for how derived data was calculated. Doing so will permit users to understand the scope of information available and examine each data item at the maximum level of detail.
- Primary: Datasets released by the government should be primary source data, not in aggregate or modified forms.
- Timely: Datasets released by the government entities are required to be available to the public and updated periodically depending on the nature of the Data (at least on annual basis). Whenever feasible, information collected by the government should be released as quickly as it is gathered and collected. Priority should be given to data whose utility is time sensitive. Real-time information updates would maximize the utility the public can obtain from this information.
- Permanent: Datasets are available permanently (information made available shall remain available) with appropriate version tracking and archiving over time. There shall be proper indication that an alteration has been made. (Refer to data retention as per archive law - Royal Decree 60/2007).
- Accessible: Datasets released by the government shall be feasible and accessible (ability to locate and download content) easily. Providing an interface for users to download all of the information stored in a database at once (known as “bulk” download) and the means to make specific calls for data through an Application Programming Interface (API) make data much more readily accessible.
- Machine read-able: Datasets shall be reasonably structured to allow automated processing and available in machine friendly formats. Information shared in the widely used PDF format, for example, is very difficult for machines to parse. Thus, information should be stored in widely used file formats (CSV,XLS, JSON, XML, etc.) that easily lend themselves to machine processing. These files should be accompanied by documentation related to the format and how to use it in relation to the data.
- Trusted: Published content should be digitally signed (for example: using hashtags) or include attestation of publication/creation date, authenticity, and integrity. Digital signatures help the public validate the source of the data they find so that they can trust that the data has not been modified since it was published.
- Documented: Documentation about the datasets, format and meaning of data goes a long way to making the data useful. The principles state that Government websites must provide users with sufficient information to make assessments about the meaning, accuracy and currency of information published.
- Non-discriminatory: Datasets are available to anyone, at any time without having to identify themselves (with no requirement of registration) or provide any justification for accessing open datasets.
- Non-proprietary: Datasets are available in a format over which no Unit has exclusive control (data can be accessed without the need for a software license).
- License-free: Datasets are available with no restrictions on dissemination and are not subject to any copyright, patent, trademark or trade secret regulation. Maximal openness includes clearly labeling public information as a work of the government and available without restrictions on use as part of the public domain. Government entities use Open Data licenses to clearly explain the conditions under which their data may be used. Examples include Creative Commons, the Open Database License, and The World Bank Terms of Use.
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under the Open Government License - Sultanate of Oman.
