Examining the Perception and Use of Open Crime Data from a Citizen Perspective

Abstract

The disclosure of public information is an important issue in government practice. Freely used and accessible data produced by government bodies presumably encourages citizen participation and makes government more transparent and accountable. However, there is limited evidence that citizens would take advantage of open data and on what drives that usagee. This study expands the technology acceptance model to take into account citizens’ perception of open data's potential societal risks as well as potential advantages to society and the advantages of delivering positive social outcomes. The analysis of results from of an online survey conducted in Taiwan in May 2017 confirms that a majority of respondents agree that open crime data has advantages compared with aggregate-level statistical data, while risks involved in the adoption of open crime data is are indeed a concern for a majority of respondents. Both help to explain citizens’ intentions of using to use open crime data. Citizens’ perception of usefulness is positively related to their intention to use open data. However, perceived ease of use of open crime data is not significantly associated with the intention to use open crime data directly. Future research should consider other ways to reach citizens who do not use the internet regularly. A better understanding of citizens’ responses to open data helps government design continued improvements to open data.