Open data sits at the heart of a global movement with the potential to generate significant social and economic benefits around the world. Through the articulation and adoption of common principles in support of open data, governments can work towards enabling more just, and prosperous societies.

In July 2013, G8 leaders signed the G8 Open Data Charter, which outlined a set of five core open data principles. Many nations and open government advocates welcomed the G8 Charter, but there was a general sense that the principles could be refined and improved to support broader global adoption of open data principles. In the months following, a number of multinational groups initiated their own activities to establish more inclusive and representative open data principles, including the Open Government Partnership’s (OGP) Open Data Working Group.

During 2015, open data experts from governments, multilateral organizations, civil society and private sector, worked together to develop an international Open Data Charter, with six principles for the release of data:

1. Open by Default;
2. Timely and Comprehensive;
3. Accessible and Useable;
4. Comparable and Interoperable;
5. For Improved Governance and Citizen Engagement; and
6. For Inclusive Development and Innovation.

The principles in the international Open Data Charter provide governments with a common foundation upon which to realise the full potential of open data. For governments that have already established open data initiatives, the Charter provides continuing guidance for maximising the release of data. For countries that are just getting started with their open data activities, the Charter can serve as a statement of commitment and the means to pursue political support for the fundamental principles of openness.

Source: opendatacharter.net