Opening data won’t replace FOIA, but complement it

Opening data won’t remove the need for an option to file suit under Freedom of Information laws. There will always be people who try to prevent the public and press from learning of fraud, waste, incompetence or abuse of power.

But instead of people being stymied trying access information they’ve already paid for, they’ll be able to find it through a search engine or apply it through an infomediary that reuses that data.

Over time, proactive disclosure will generally reduce FOIA demand.

How the United States implements this new open government data law will put that to the test.