Using Civic Technology to Monitor Freedom of Information in New Jersey
17th Research Data Alliance Plenary Meeting
Abstract
This poster presents the OPRAmachine platform and research dataset, which is the first U.S.-based deployment of the open-source Alaveteli software for automating the FOI request process and collecting data on FOI requests submitted to authorities.
Overview
Freedom of information (FOI) laws provide an important mechanism for citizens and researchers to study public policy issues and evaluate government transparency.
This poster presents the OPRAmachine platform and research dataset, which is the first U.S.-based deployment of the open-source Alaveteli software for automating the FOI request process and collecting data on FOI requests submitted to authorities.
Key Findings
Through the use of the website, data on over 20,000 requests made under New Jersey’s FOI law, the Open Public Records Act (OPRA), has been collected since 2017.
Technical Implementation
The Alaveteli platform has already been deployed throughout many countries at the national level, including the UK-based WhatDoTheyKnow. OPRAmachine builds upon past work in this field by specifically focusing on a state and local government in New Jersey and its political subdivisions.
Research Contribution
This work fills a gap left by a lack of data collection by official governmental sources to enable new research into freedom of information compliance and government transparency.