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Policy 2017 Data Governance
Source
National Open Data Policy

Mauritius

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Definition of Data

Main Focus of Document

Approaches to managing government data and providing access to data as open data

Target Beneficiaries or Sector

Government, Citizens

Key Elements

Mauritius' National Open Data Policy formulates the guidelines and processes for ministries and departments in the release and management of government datasets as open data. The policy adopts a pro-active stance to identifying datasets that the government can make publicly available. Its objectives are to (i) secure economic advantages by expanding the circle of opportunities and economic space afforded by access to data and (ii) support accountability and transparency by availing data for use in scrutinising the effectiveness and efficiency of government operations. 

The Policy specifies which data are to be released as open data, adopting an 'Open by Default' approach that stipulates all data should be made available as open data except if relating to personal data or having a national security dimension. Specifically, the Policy stipulates that all public datasets will be classified as open data provided that:
- they do not contain any personal or sensitive data as per the Data Protection Act;
- they are not classified as confidential under the Government Security Instructions;
- they do not have public safety or national security dimensions;
- they are not covered by third party rights;
- they are not reworked by ministries and departments to produce value-added services for specific customers.
The Policy requires that a Privacy Compliance Assessment be undertaken prior to the release of datasets to ensure they do not contain personal data or anonymised data that may be prone to re-identification.

The Policy stipulates that open data will be free of charge in raw format, while access to processed data that has undergone some form of transformation and production by a public body will incur certain costs.

The Policy provides for the establishment of a Central Open Data Team (CODT) to serve as the primary implementation mechanism and steer the Open Data Initiative across ministries and departments. Specific tasks for the CODT include establising and reviewing standards for open data, setting up and administering the National Open Data Portal, and setting standards for Privacy Compliance Assessments. The CODT will be supported by Open Data Teams in ministries and departments engaged in the Open Data Initiative.

Policy/Regulation Mirrors

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