Open Knowledge Foundation — Blog —

Open Data Day Essay #5: ‘Decisions Under the Public Eye: A Promising Set of Open Data’

The Dutch research project Beschikkingen in Beeld examined how administrative decisions are disclosed as open data under the upcoming Wet open overheid. Mapping over 500 government bodies, the study found fewer than 40 agencies proactively publish individual decisions, highlighting the infancy of this information category. Legal analysis showed the Open Government Act and sector‑specific regulations already motivate some early adopters, while a new methodology identified fragmented disclosure practices across portals. The authors argue that full, standardized, user‑centred publication could turn decisions into a new source of law and boost transparency.