FAQ: What you need to know about the Accra statement on data access
In October 2024, delegates at the 2024 International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI) conference in Ghana adopted the Accra Statement. Here are a few key points:
- Access to data is part of the human right of access to information.
- Open data is especially key for democratic participation, informed decision-making, innovation and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
- Access to data allows people to actively help to hold institutions accountable.
- A data-driven approach to development should recognise the need for transparency, accountability, and inclusivity in data governance.
- Africa especially needs investments in data infrastructure, education and skills development to ensure that all stakeholders benefit from the transformative potential of data.
FAQs about the Accra Statement
Who developed the Accra Statement?
- With support from UNESCO, the African Alliance for Access to Data consulted with its members and several international bodies to come up with a draft text. This was then amended and finalised to incorporate comments and suggestions made during the Accra conference.
What does the Accra statement say about data access?
- Open data is defined as data that can be freely used, shared, and re-published by anyone for any purpose.
- Data held by public institutions – or related to private activities that use public funds or have public interest impact -should be openly accessible by default.
- Legal restrictions on data access are only justifiable if they meet specific objectives (like protecting privacy or serving another legitimate purpose under international human rights standards). Limits should also be proportionate to their particular purpose, and there should be the option of public interest overrides for particular cases where data access is exceptionally merited.
- Data access should take account of equity issues, for example by ensuring marginalized and vulnerable groups have equal access to data to avoid exacerbating existing inequalities.
What does the Accra Statement pinpoint as preconditions for data access?
- Expanded connectivity and access to essential infrastructure including electricity.
- A commitment to equity, since unequal data access exacerbates inequalities and reinforces “data deserts” where large groups of people lack the resources and opportunities to benefit from data-driven insights.
- Investment into data quality in order to enhance accuracy and reliability.
What governance steps are needed to unlock data access?
- Harmonization of regulations to overcome fragmented data access and data protection/privacy frameworks.
- Measures to tackle the shortage of data scientists, statisticians, and IT specialists in Africa and their capacity to manage and analyse data effectively.
- Multi-stakeholder collaboration: Promoting collaboration between governments, civil society, private sector organizations, and multilateral institutions to develop and implement effective data access policies that align to international human rights standards.
- Heightened public awareness of data access issues, and deepened data literacy amongst the public.
What stakeholder groups does the Accra Statement address, with what cross-cutting recommendations?
- Right to information officials and activists, regulators, parliamentarians, political parties, media, environmental and gender rights groups, private sector entities, anti-corruption campaigners, etc. The are urged to:
- Support open data initiatives and information sharing.
- Develop policies that prioritize transparency, accountability, and equitable data access.
- Encourage collaboration among diverse stakeholders to develop data-driven solutions.
- Empower individuals with the skills and resources to effectively utilize data.
What safeguards does the Accra Statement propose for data access?
- It recommends regular audits and clear documentation of algorithms and data sources. The goal is to promote a more equitable and inclusive approach to data collection, ownership, and utilization.
- Transparency in AI means being open about the data used, the algorithms employed, and the decision-making processes of AI systems. Explainability refers to making the logic and reasoning behind AI decisions understandable to humans.
- The statement recommends establishing independent oversight bodies to hold data custodians accountable. These can promote trust and confidence in data governance frameworks by monitoring and evaluating data practices, ensuring the fair application of rules and standards, and providing transparency through measures like public audits.
- Audits of data and algorithms can particularly help identify potential biases in AI systems, and empower affected communities to challenge unfair practices.
How does the Accra Statement recognize media practitioners?
- Access to data empowers journalists to conduct in-depth investigations and fact-checking. Journalists can use data to verify information, investigate potential wrongdoing, and provide evidence-based reporting, contributing to information integrity and a more informed public
- With data access, journalists can identify trends, patterns, and insights that might otherwise go unnoticed, providing richer and more nuanced coverage of complex issues.
- Data can be used by journalists to create compelling visuals and interactive content, making complex information more accessible and engaging for audiences.
Access the full Accra Statement on Harnessing the Power of Data, adopted at the global UNESCO global conference in Accra in October 2024, here.
