The following content is sponsored by the Hinrich Foundation.
Why the World Needs Open Data
Over the last 10 years, data has quickly become one of the world’s most abundant resources.
It’s easy to see how, as well. Things we use on a day-to-day basis—phones, TVs, and even home appliances—are often connected to the internet and thus able to collect data. The result is 64 zettabytes (64 trillion gigabytes) of data being created in 2020.
When we are able to share and analyze this data, we can unlock value for both businesses and society. For instance, health data collected from wearable devices can help governments make better decisions during a pandemic. Location data collected from smartphones can enable businesses to reach customers more efficiently. The list goes on and on.
In this infographic from the Hinrich Foundation, we highlight the importance of open data, and why some governments are trying to control the flow of data.
Open Data Comes Under Attack
Open data is data that can be freely shared, used, and built upon without restrictions—all important criteria for facilitating global trade and e-commerce.
Unfortunately, a handful of countries see data as a tool for gaining economic and political power. This leads them to impose data localization measures which hamper the international flow of data, digital products, or internet-enabled services.
The following table lists countries that have at least three of these measures.
| Country | Number of data localization measures |
|---|---|
 China | 29 |
 India | 12 |
 Russia | 9 |
 Turkey | 7 |
 (Read more...) |