TNA launches open data licence

The organisation said that the new licence will replace the existing Click-Use Licence and enables free re-use of a much broader range of public sector information, including Crown Copyright, databases and source codes. It applies to all UK public sector organisations, including local authorities and other public bodies wishing to make their data more accessible to citizens. In addition, users are not required register or formally apply for permission to re-use data. The launch follows successful tests of a preliminary version on Data.gov.uk, where developers used government datasets to create a broad range of applications. The initiative has been welcomed by sir Tim Berners-Lee, inventor of the world wide web and a member of the Public Sector Transparency Board. He said: "The Open Government Licence is one element of the UK's position at the forefront of the worldwide open data revolution. "It's great to see a simple and straightforward licence for people to re-use government data in any way they want. It will enable inventive people to build innovative new applications and websites which help people in their everyday lives." Francis Maude, the Cabinet Office minister with responsibility for government transparency, said: "The Open Government Licence signals our commitment not only to publish the data but to allow everyone to use it freely, helping to create a new era of social entrepreneurs."