Open government data and the infodemic: a missing link in the fight against misinformation during COVID-19 in Italy

Abstract

This paper investigates the role of Open Government Data (OGD) in mitigating the “infodemic” that accompanied the COVID-19 pandemic in Italy. Focusing on Twitter discussions, we analyze how the public engaged with and debated pandemic-related data, exploring the impact of OGD availability on public understanding and the spread of misinformation. Our findings suggest that while OGD initiatives have the potential to empower citizens and combat misinformation, their effectiveness is contingent upon factors such as public awareness, data accessibility, and user-friendliness. By examining the Italian case, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of the interplay between OGD, public discourse, and misinformation resilience during public health crises.