The complexity of open data licencing: Learn how to use the licencing assistant
Understanding the conditions for using, sharing, and redistributing open data
The Licencing Assistant is a tool to help users navigate the complexities of open data licences. Open data licencing defines the conditions under which data can be used, shared, and redistributed in the EU. Whether you are a data provider or reuser, understanding the terms and avoiding legal complications can help everyone with responsible data usage.
The Licencing Assistant provides guidance on selecting the right open data licence, offering access to 177 commonly used licences. It includes detailed descriptions of these licences and offers insights into how to apply them as a re-publisher or distributor of open data. It also explains how to combine multiple licences when necessary. To further support this, the tool breaks down each license into three main categories. First, permissions define what users are allowed to do with the data, such as modifying or redistributing it. Secondly, obligations specify actions that users must take, such as providing attribution to the original data provider. Third, prohibitions outline what users cannot do, such as using the data for commercial purposes. The characteristics allow data reusers to understand what a licence entails and data providers to select licences that meet their needs.
The Licencing Assistant is a free resource within the EU’s open data ecosystem, facilitating the use and reuse of public data across borders. Integrated in our data.europe.eu portal, this tool helps users navigate the complexities of open data licences. By promoting the importance of open data, this tool helps more people use it and supports the safe reuse of public data across the EU.
If you are looking to navigate the complexities of open data and ensure compliance with licencing terms, explore the tool! Alternatively, visit the data.europe academy for more resources on how to effectively use the tool and apply open data licencing.
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