Privatized data — Uplink Archive

Privatization of public data by government contractors creates barriers for journalists seeking access to records, with vendors charging excessive fees despite legal protections for fair pricing. The article offers strategies for journalists to obtain data directly from agencies or through alternative sources.

Privatized data

By Brant Houston IRE and NICAR Executive Director

What do you do when government contracts with a private vendor to handle public data?

You suffer even more when you try to get that data.

Privatization of data appears to be an increasing problem for journalists trying to purchase copies of public databases.

Now you not only have to battle with public officials, but you also have to deal with businessmen eager to make a buck.

Recently, a reporter from a New Jersey weekly wrote to the NICAR listserv, saying that a private vendor wanted $425 (or 5 cents per property) for the property records in two small towns.

While other New Jersey reporters gave good advice the records (unfortunately a year old) from the state for free - it's a problem that is not easy to circumvent.

For example, when some states passed laws earlier this decade on access to electronic information, they provided that the public should be able to get the information for a fair and reasonable price. Nonetheless, vendors are stubborn about releasing the data and agencies often offer little help.

Here are some possible open avenues:

Make sure to ask the agency if they keep their own copy of the data. (Many journalists forget to do that.) It can be a long shot, but it has worked in the past. If so, then ask them to make a copy for you when they back it up. Find out if the agency gives a copy of the data to another agency. This is what the New Jersey reporters suggested on the NICAR-L thread. Check both the state and federal levels. Know what the law says and if it says the vendors can't overcharge, then write a letter to them citing the law and "cc-ing" the agency and any other appropriate officials such as the attorney general.