What does the concept of 'open data' refer to?

The concept of 'open data' refers specifically to data that is freely available for anyone to use, modify, and share without any restrictions. This means that the data is not proprietary and does not require any special permissions or payment to access. Open data promotes transparency and can facilitate innovation by allowing various stakeholders, including individuals, businesses, and researchers, to analyze and use the data in diverse ways. Open data initiatives often enhance collaboration, knowledge sharing, and informed decision-making across various domains.

In contrast, options that describe data as restricted to specific users, available only for purchase, or requiring special permissions represent the opposite of what open data stands for. These alternatives imply limitations on access and usage, which are fundamentally at odds with the principles of openness and accessibility inherent in open data.