Data for the People, by the People

Abstract

This chapter assesses how citizens can take a more active role in using data for the public good through civic hacking, citizen science, and data justice initiatives. The 'Myq.ie' project, and the other Code for Ireland projects, are an example of civic hacking: citizens linking together practices of civic innovation with computer hacking to address local issues. In the case of Code for Ireland, members of the local community created their own data-driven apps using accessible datasets, and in some cases produced their own data as well, for other citizens to use. The work is altruistic, performed for the good of the community rather than to create a paid service, and is often undertaken over a number of months or years. Closely related to civic hacking is the practice of citizen science. Here, members of the public generate data and undertake analysis on an ongoing basis to better understand a local phenomenon, or to contribute to a wider scientific study.