[open-science] Privacy is only one of concerns that comes with opening up data

Wed Feb 20 02:57:57 UTC 2013

Personal privacy is not the only concern when opening up data.

The Weenusk First Nation in Canada's north, opposing mining  
development, says no to sharing of aerial geologic survey information:
http://www.wawataynews.ca/archive/all/2013/1/10/weenusk-first-nation-says-no-sharing-aerial-geologic-survey-information_23951?goback=.gde_2035350_member_203501850

Another example is data about endangered species. This data can be  
very useful - the problem is that the data can be very useful either  
to poachers or to those aiming to protect the species.

There is no such thing as truly pure science. All results of science  
that are disseminated (via open or toll access) are released into a  
world populated by many humans, some of whom wield economic and  
political power. This is not an argument against open data, rather an  
environment that should be considered when developed policies and  
strategies for open data.

best,

Heather Morrison
The Imaginary Journal of Poetic Economics
http://poeticeconomics.blogspot.com