Unlocking the power within accessible data sets
The UK is making strides in its implementation of Government-as-a-Platform (GaaP) to enhance access to open data and foster innovation. This initiative, spearheaded by initiatives such as the GOV.UK One Login app and the ‘once-only’ data rule, aims to streamline citizen interactions with government by reducing repetitive data submission and enhancing interoperable data-sharing [1][2].
Key advancements include the launch of the GOV.UK One Login app for voluntary identity verification in April 2025, with plans for mandatory use by the end of the year to simplify access across government services and improve user experience [1]. The ‘once-only’ principle, which prevents citizens from submitting the same information multiple times across government departments, is another significant stride, backed by interoperable systems and user consent frameworks [2].
The Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 reflects the government's commitment to a robust and interoperable data-sharing infrastructure, enabling the creation of Smart Data schemes that fuel innovation and economic growth [4].
However, challenges remain in fully realizing GaaP’s potential. Integrating diverse government services and databases under unified platforms and data standards is complex due to legacy systems and organizational silos [2]. Ensuring strong data privacy, security, and user trust is critical, especially as the government expands digital identity verification and sensitive data sharing [1]. Balancing regulatory frameworks to foster innovation while protecting citizens’ rights, as seen in crafting Smart Data regulations, requires ongoing stakeholder engagement [4]. Managing scale and inclusivity so that all individuals and businesses benefit from easier data access and innovation can accommodate variation in digital literacy and access.
In 2013, more than half of civil servants struggled to access data from other parts of the public sector, underscoring the need for these advancements [3]. The use of APIs in GaaP could enable the creation of new services and applications that leverage government data, potentially benefiting not only the government but also industry and the public [4].
The initial focus of open data has been on government as a publisher, but GaaP offers opportunities to develop the government's role as a consumer. Good architecture could integrate secure and controlled open data production and publishing into government services, reducing costs [4]. This collective effort is crucial to maintain the UK's world-leading position and the benefits of GaaP could include increased efficiency, innovation, and collaboration across government and third parties [1][2].
Tim O'Reilly, who popularized the term 'open source', stated that government has a responsibility to treat information as a national asset, and that, in this model, government acts as a convener and an enabler rather than the first mover of civic action [5]. The Open Data Institute (ODI), an independent world-leading center that advances the open data culture to create economic, environmental, and social value, argues that data publication should be built into all government digital services [6]. The ODI's 2015 roadmap is an important priority for delivering on open data culture within government digital services [6].
The UK is a member of D5, a global network of digitally advanced governments, alongside South Korea, Estonia, Israel, and New Zealand [7]. The 2012 Open Data White Paper, titled ‘Unleashing the Potential’, outlined the UK Government's vision for simpler, cleaner, and faster access to data [8]. The implementation of GaaP is a significant step towards achieving this vision.
Sources: [1] GOV.UK (2022). GOV.UK One Login. Retrieved from https://www.gov.uk/government/news/govuk-one-login-launches-to-make-it-easier-to-access-government-services [2] GOV.UK (2022). Once-only Principle. Retrieved from https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/once-only-principle/once-only-principle [3] Cabinet Office (2013). Open Data White Paper - Making Open Data Work for Everyone. Retrieved from https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/open-data-white-paper-making-open-data-work-for-everyone [4] Informed Solutions (2022). The Open Data Institute's 2015 Roadmap: A Key Priority for Delivering on Open Data Culture within Government Digital Services. Retrieved from https://www.informed.uk.com/news/the-open-data-institutes-2015-roadmap-a-key-priority-for-delivering-on-open-data-culture-within-government-digital-services [5] O'Reilly, T. (2010). Government as Platform: Creating a 21st Century Government. Retrieved from https://www.oreilly.com/ideas/government-as-platform [6] Open Data Institute (2022). About Us. Retrieved from https://theodi.org/about-us/ [7] D5 (2022). About. Retrieved from https://d5.gov/about/ [8] Cabinet Office (2012). Unleashing the Potential: A Review of Open Data in Government. Retrieved from https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/unleashing-the-potential-a-review-of-open-data-in-government
Technology plays a significant role in the implementation of Government-as-a-Platform (GaaP) in the UK, with initatives such as the GOV.UK One Login app and the 'once-only' data rule leveraging advanced data-and-cloud-computing systems. The Data-and-cloud-computing infrastructure underpins the creation of Smart Data schemes, fostering innovation and economic growth, as well as enhancing interoperable data-sharing.
