London: 25 January 2010

The UK Office of Public Sector Information (OPSI) has announced: New licensing model for re-use of government information.

The announcement states:

“The government has taken a major step toward a new approach to licensing the re-use of public sector information, with a new licence available on the data.gov.uk website. This website, launched on 21 January 2010, provides a single access point to over 2,500 central government datasets that have been made available for free re-use. This follows the Government’s commitment in Putting the Frontline First: Smarter Government and is key to supporting new information initiatives.

Working with teams from Creative Commons, we have put together a straightforward set of terms and conditions for the data.gov.uk website, which mean that the data available on the site can be re-used both commercially and non-commercially. These terms and conditions are aligned with the Creative Commons approach to licensing, which allows the creator of information to communicate simply and clearly which rights they reserve, and which they waive for the benefit of people wishing to re-use that information. The existing Click-Use Licences, opened-up public sector information to everyone, and allowed re-users to develop information products based on that information. Over the coming months, we will continue to work on the new approach, to develop a new licensing model that will make public sector information even more accessible. For updates on this work go to the Perspectives blog.”

London: 25 January 2010

The UK Office of Public Sector (OPSI) PerSpectIves blog has announced that OPSI is in the process of reviewing and revising much of the current guidance on public sector information (PSI) Crown copyright and licensing on the OPSI website. OPSI is seeking input so that OPSI can be sure they have covered the relevant and key issues for you and have provided the guidance you need on the above topics in the way you need it.

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