Open Definition

Open Knowledge Foundation

The Open Definition sets out clear principles for what constitutes "open" in relation to data and content, ensuring quality and encouraging compatibility between diverse groups of open material. It precisely defines the meaning of "open" in the terms of "open data" and "open content." This definition was developed to clarify the term "open", promote a robust commons, and maximize interoperability between different platforms and users. By sharing this definition, we seek to involve more government officials and other actors in the adoption of open data practices.

Clarifies and promotes the use of open data and content, ensuring interoperability and quality to facilitate universal access and collaboration. This lack of clarity hinders the growth and impact of open data and content initiatives.

Definition Standards: Provides clear standards and principles for open data and open content. Licensing Guidance: Offers guidance on choosing and applying open licenses. Compatibility Checker: Includes tools to check if a dataset or content complies with the open definition. Community Advocacy: Promotes the adoption of open data and content standards globally. Education and Outreach: Offers educational resources and materials to raise awareness and understanding. Legal Clarity: Helps content creators and data providers understand the legal implications of open licensing. Case Studies: Showcases successful open data and content projects following the open definition. Continuous Improvement: Evolves the definition to accommodate emerging trends and practices.

Accessible and multilingual web platform. Presents openly licensed content, encourages community collaboration, and offers clear documentation for maintainers.