I really do like the internet, but…

I just finished reading this fascinating case study.

(Hat tip to Michael Gurstein for this)

Much has been claimed for the open data movement, and it is certainly a core part of the “Post-Bureaucratic Age” which David Cameron has talked about.

What this case study makes clear is that groups who are better at manipulating data, can use open data to increase their power within society.

This goes to show that closing the digital divide is about much more than access to computers and broadband and should be aligned with broader efforts to address the reasons for entrenched inequalities.

The question remains, can open data be part of these broader efforts?

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