The Importance of Keeping Public Data Unbiased and Accessible

The temporary disappearance of key public data sets, including the Atlas Tool and the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System, has raised significant concerns among data scientists, policymakers, and users of public data.

The removal and subsequent return of these crucial resources—without explanation—highlights a fundamental issue: the vulnerability of public data to political influence.

At its core, data is data.

It is a factual representation of reality, not a political tool. Yet, the recent events suggest that access to data and even its integrity could be influenced by political interests. This raises two critical concerns: first, the lack of transparency regarding changes to public data access, and second, the broader impact of political interference on the expanding world of public data.

The Need for Transparency

Public data serves as an essential resource for researchers, policymakers, healthcare professionals, and the general public. Tools such as the Atlas Tool, which tracks infectious disease rates, and the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System, which monitors adolescent health, provide invaluable insights that drive policy decisions and public health initiatives. However, when such data suddenly disappears without explanation, it erodes trust in the institutions that provide the data.

Transparency is a fundamental principle of public data. If datasets are removed, modified, or temporarily taken offline, there should be clear communication about the reasons for these changes. Users need to know whether the data was inaccurate, whether the presentation format was being updated, or whether it was taken down due to budgetary or technical reasons.

Without this transparency, the absence of data can lead to speculation about political motives, further undermining trust in public institutions.

The Danger of Political Influence on Data

Beyond access to data, there is a greater concern: the potential for political influence over the data itself. Public data should be objective, accurate, and reflective of real-world conditions. However, history has shown that data collection and presentation can be manipulated to serve political interests. Whether it is the suppression of certain statistics, the framing of data in misleading ways, or the outright fabrication of figures, political interference in data collection can have dangerous consequences.

For example, if infectious disease statistics are altered or omitted to downplay the severity of an outbreak, public health responses could be delayed, costing lives. If adolescent health data is manipulated to align with political agendas rather than reality, policymakers may enact ineffective or harmful policies.

The integrity of public data should be sacrosanct, free from the influence of any administration, regardless of political affiliation.

The Impact on Public Data Expansion

Over the past decades, the availability of public data has expanded significantly, thanks to technological advancements and a growing emphasis on open data initiatives. This expansion has fueled research, innovation, and informed policymaking. However, the recent disappearance of critical data sets raises concerns about whether political forces could reverse this progress.

If public data becomes a battleground for political control, the consequences could be severe. Researchers may find themselves unable to access reliable data, undermining studies and hindering scientific progress.

Policymakers may struggle to craft effective laws and programs without accurate information. The public may lose trust in government institutions that should be dedicated to facts, not politics.

Protecting Public Data from Political Manipulation

To safeguard public data from political influence, several measures must be taken:

1. Independent Oversight: Public data collection and dissemination should be managed by independent bodies insulated from political pressure. Organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) should operate with clear safeguards to ensure that data is collected and reported without interference.
2. Transparency Protocols: There must be clear policies that require governmental agencies to notify the public if data is removed, modified, or withheld. These policies should outline the reasons for any changes and provide a timeline for when the data will be restored.
3. Legal Protections: Legislative measures should be enacted to protect the integrity of public data. Laws should prevent administrations from altering or suppressing critical datasets and ensure that scientific and statistical data remain free from political tampering.
4. Public Engagement: Citizens, researchers, and advocacy groups must remain vigilant in demanding accountability. Public data belongs to the people, and any attempt to manipulate or suppress it should be met with strong opposition.

Conclusion

Data is not political—it is factual. When access to public data is restricted or when the data itself is influenced by political motives, the consequences can be profound, affecting public health, policy decisions, and the trust people place in their government. Ensuring that public data remains accessible, transparent, and untainted by politics is not just a matter of good governance—it is essential for a functioning democracy.

The recent removal and restoration of key datasets serve as a stark reminder that we must remain vigilant in protecting the integrity of public data. Without such protections, the very foundation of evidence-based decision-making is at risk.

About the Author:

Timothy Powell is a nationally recognized expert on regulatory matters including the False Claims Act, Zone Program Integrity Contractor audits and OIG compliance. He is a member of the RACmonitor editorial board.

Contact the Author:

tpowell@tpowellcpa.com

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