Official Data vs Public Data

Official Data vs Public Data

Authors: Hossein Hassani and Arman Bidarbakht-Nia


  • Introduction:

The growth and increasing importance of public data are undeniable trends in the modern digital age. Public data, which encompasses a wide range of information made available to the general public, has seen a significant surge in both quantity and importance for several reasons. On the other hand, Official data which is a subset of public data, characterized by its authoritative source, reliability, specific purpose, and government endorsement. Whilst, public data and official data are related but distinct terms used to describe different types of information. Here are the key differences between them:


  • Source and Authority:

Public Data: Public data is information that is made available to the general public, but it may come from a variety of sources. It can include data shared by government agencies, private organizations, research institutions, or individuals. The source and authority behind public data can vary widely.

Official Data: Official data, on the other hand, is typically data collected and published by government agencies or other authoritative bodies. It carries the official endorsement and recognition of a government or governing body. Official data is considered to be accurate, reliable, and authoritative.


  • Reliability:

Public Data: The reliability of public data can vary widely. While some public data sources may be trustworthy and accurate, others may lack rigor and quality control. It's important to evaluate the credibility of the source when using public data.

Official Data: Official data is expected to undergo rigorous collection, verification, and quality control processes. It is generally considered highly reliable and accurate due to the authority and responsibility of the organization or government agency producing it.


  • Purpose:

Public Data: Public data may be shared for various purposes, including research, transparency, public awareness, or commercial interests. It can serve a wide range of applications and may not be collected or maintained with a specific purpose in mind.

Official Data: Official data is typically collected and published by government agencies to serve specific purposes, such as policymaking, public administration, and governance. It is often used to inform government decisions and track key indicators.


  • Accessibility:

Public Data: Public data can be openly accessible to anyone or may have limited access, depending on the data owner's policies. It may be available for free, behind paywalls, or subject to various usage restrictions.

Official Data: Official data is generally made available to the public in accordance with transparency and open government principles. It is often accessible through government websites or official data portals.

  • Use Cases:

Public Data: Public data can be used for a wide range of applications, including research, analysis, journalism, app development, and more. It is often used by individuals, businesses, and organizations for various purposes.

Official Data: Official data is primarily used for government decision-making, policy analysis, public administration, and monitoring key indicators related to the functioning of a society or economy.


#officialdata #publicdata #decision-making

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Shruti Shankar Gaur, Ph.D.

Founder RIEDU || Program Director, The Digital Economist || Ph.D. Inclusive Education II Inclusion & Diversity II Poet II Social Thinker II An Empath with a Curious Mind II

11 个月

I was bowled by the simplicity Hossein Hassani. In the world of noisy jargons, the need of the hour is to simplify the concepts and what better way but by the expert in the field. ??

Lucine Kalantaryan

Head of Labour Statistics Division at Office for National Statistics

11 个月

Thank you! "Concise, simple, and very useful!

Robin Davis

? Game-Changing ? AI ? Advisory ? Strategy | ? Unlocking Potential & Impact in Leadership, AI, Governance, and Frameworks ? | ?? Integrating People before Technology & Process??

11 个月

A great little set of categorised mini-definitions. Good for a cheat-sheet ??. Thanks, Hossein ????.

Gérard Chenais

Now retired; working life as a statistician in developing countries: South Pacific and Africa; has worked with PARIS21--

11 个月

Vous avez raison de faire une distinction entre ces deux types de données, en gardant à l'esprit qu'une donnée est la construction d'un objet virtuel, construction qui correspond à une intention d'usage. Les exigences de qualité dépendent étroitement de cette intention d'usage. S'il s'agit d'agir sur le monde réel, alors la donnée doit représenter un aspect de ce monde réel avec une exactitude et une fiabilité suffisantes. Concernant la statistique officielle, la question initiale est de savoir pourquoi un état, et pratiquement chacun d'eux, s'organise et mobilise des ressources en permanence pour produire et diffuser des statistiques ayant un statut officiel. Je pense qu'une partie de la réponse repose là : "D'usage généralisé en fran?ais vers 1785, dérivé de l’italien statista (? homme d’état, statiste ?), emprunté à l'allemand Statistik, forgé ou repris, vers 1749, par l'économiste Gottfried Achenwall : la statistique représentant pour lui l'ensemble des connaissances que doit posséder un homme d’état." Wikipedia. Cela indique clairement que la statistique officielle répond d'abord aux besoins de l'état gérant un pays. Dans le cas d'un état démocratique, qui doit rendre compte, elle doit aussi être accessible à tout citoyen.

Dr. Salem Gheit

?.???? ??? Assistant Professor of Economics. The Libyan Academy, PhD in Economics, Bournemouth University. United Kingdom.

11 个月

Thank you Hossein Hassani all the best ????????????

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