Abstract

Principle 1 of the UN Fundamental Principles identifies official statistics as ‘an indispensable element in the information system of a democratic society, serving the Government, the economy and the public’. The principle goes on to highlight the impartiality of official statistics and the entitlement of citizens to public information. Many others have argued that official (quality) statistics are a public good and a prerequisite for democratic dialogue. Today, this seems nothing more than common sense, but it wasn’t always so. The purpose of official statistics has evolved. Originally statistics were the exclusive preserve of the state, collected to help rulers levy armies or tax populations. While this is still true today, official statistics now enjoy a broader mandate; now they are expected to serve the state and society. Official statistics are now recognized as a pillar of democracy and accountability. This presentation will discuss the evolution of official statistics from proprietary to open and will investigate some of the nuances of public goods and impartiality. The term ‘data-driven’ will also be examined to assess whether the concept is ultimately undemocratic.