Today in #OpenGov 5/28/2014
Keep reading for today’s look at #OpenGov news, events and analysis including personal data transparency, open data for end users, and potentially dangerous reform in Virginia.
National News
- The Federal Trade Commission is pushing for more transparency from data brokers that collect, analyze, and sell personal data from consumers. (New York Times)
- The NRCC launched a jumbo joint fundraising committee to help promising challengers and contenders for open seats raise gobs of cash. (Public Integrity)
International News
- Open data needs to be created with its end users in mind to ensure it doesn’t float unused around the annals of the internet. (The Guardian)
State and Local News
- Virginia responded to a scandal involving former Governor Bob McDonnell accepting lavish gifts by passing legislation intended to shine a light on public officials’ who do just that. Unfortunately, there are concerns that the law, when implemented, might have the opposite effect. (Washington Post)
- Chicago’s Department of Innovation and Technology launched a Tumblr blog to track downtime and changes on the Windy City’s data portal. (Smart Chicago)
- Journalists have been trying to access California State Senator Leeland Yee’s legislative calendar to little avail thanks to a long standing policy against releasing that information. This despite accusations of corruption, arms tracking, and gang activity that have been leveled against the lawmaker. (San Jose Mercury News)
Events Tomorrow 5/29
- 2014 Energy Datapalooza. Department of Energy. Wed. 5/29. 8:30 am – 3:30 pm. The Ronald Reagan Building, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave, NW, Washington, DC.
- House Legislative Data and Transparency Conference. Committee on House Administration. Thurs. 5/29. 9:00 am – 5:00 pm. Capitol Visitor Center Congressional Auditorium.
- A Complex Partnership: What declassified documents reveal about America’s role in the Congo from 1960-1968 and the lessons we can draw today. Search for Common Ground. Thurs. 5/29. 9:30 – 11:00 am. Johns Hopkins SAIS, Rome Building, 1619 Massachusetts Ave, NW, Washington, DC.
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