Key patterns have affected the information market lately, prodded by innovation advancements, information commoditization and data accessibility, and changes in data utilization modalities. These trends have a potential huge impact on the trust in statistical information provided by public authorities. The main argument in favour of considering statistical data as a public good is that is provides neutral, empirically sound, evidence to all citizens that can be used to make informed decisions and educated choices. By removing information asymmetries, which would lead to sub-optimal processes, information can lead to knowledge which in turn could benefit society at large. This paper deals with the challenges for official statistics of changes in the information market spurred by network technology, data revolution and changes in information consumers' behaviours. It shows that the challenge for statistical organizations is to address the reputational risks from the post-truth ecosystem, which could lead to permanent damages to trust in official statistics. To harness the power of data statistical organizations need to change: by embracing the data revolution and empowering users to benefit from information and knowledge services. This requires investment in modern communication, data literacy and users-oriented statistical products.

1. Fake news and information asymmetries:
Data as public good
Session 5d (Room D):
Data Accessibility and Visualisation
Thursday, 7 September 2016, 13:15-14:15
Emanuele Baldacci *, European Commission, Eurostat
emanuele.baldacci@ec.europa.eu @emibaldacci
Dario Buono*, European Commission, Eurostat
dario.buono@ec.europa.eu @darbuo
*The views expressed are the author’s alone and do not necessarily correspond to those of the corresponding organisations of affiliation

2. Digital (r) Evolution?

3. Networks4Knowledge

4. "Liquid" Communication

5. Information Asymmetries

7. Three Scenarios
The bad: statistics vs. fake news
The ugly: distrusts jeopardizes
relevance of official statistics
The good: data revolution is used to
empower individuals and community
to access information.

8. The Power of Analytics

10. Unlocking the value of data:
Putting Users First!
For more info contact:
Emanuele.Baldacci@ec.europa.eu
@emibaldacci
Dario.Buono@ec.europa.eu
@darbuo
*The views expressed are the author’s alone and do not
necessarily correspond to those of the corresponding
organisations of affiliation