Fundamental interests and open data for re-use1

Abstract

Public sector information plays an important role in that it constitutes a powerful tool for bolstering democratic values and a solid base upon which to build our knowledge economy. Nevertheless, current legislation on different uses of public sector information does not allow for the creation or taking advantage of all the opportunities permitted by the development and scope of information and communication technologies. The aim of this article is to analyse the interests involved in public sector information and the protection offered at any given time by the different existing legal instruments. It also seeks to assess the impact of the open data movement with regard to the different interests involved and the extent to which current regulations can provide it cover. Finally, it proposes the main elements of new regulations that reflect today’s needs and opportunities of public sector information.