Most of the data and datasets on Factual are free and clear to use, with minimal conditions (see "Your Contribution and Use of Content and Data"). But Factual also features a special kind of data set, designated as Open² data, that comes with both more benefits and more responsibilities.

Open² data is open read and open write. Open² data must be published so that it is interactive and collaborative, enabling the user to feed back corrections, comments, or metadata. It also must support full transparency, giving everyone the ability to understand the source and time of edits and additions to the data. Allowing for this will help a table grow, improve, and stay fresh -- making it a living, breathing dataset with better accountability. With more accountable data, people can make better decisions.

Anyone uploading or creating a table on Factual can choose to make it Open². Any data or work derived from an Open² data set (including new tables joined with or merged into an Open² table, as well as data added and new values suggested to the table) will also be Open².

To make meeting these guidelines easy, we have provided access to Javascript widgets that are Open² compliant.

If you want to use the Factual server-side API instead, you will need to submit your implementation to Factual for approval. We will ask for a mock of your implementation, along with the URL of where it will be displayed and your server-side API key.

If you have any questions about Open² and the guidelines, feel free to reach us the the Factual Developer Google Group.

Open² FAQs

Q: What does it mean if a table is Open²?
A: Open² tables must be implemented in a way that follows the Open² Guidelines, which enable and encourage collaboration and feedback on a table.

Q: As a user, what does Open² mean for me?
A: As a user, you are not affected by Open². The Open² Guidelines only apply to publishers and developers who are intending to re-publish the data.

Q: Why would someone want to make their data Open²?
A: By making a dataset Open², a table creator or uploader is transforming his data from a static to a dynamic, collaborative state. Designating your table as Open² makes it easier for the community to contribute their knowledge to it, help it grow, improve, and stay fresh. As a result, you will be guaranteed a living, breathing data set with increased usage and quality -- ultimately, enabling greater transparency and accountability.

Q: Who determines if a table is Open²?
A: The individual who creates or uploads the table determines whether or not a table is Open², either during the upload process of uploading or anytime after.

Q: As a user, how do I make my table Open²?
A: You can designate your data set to be Open² during the upload process. Note that if your data has already been uploaded without the Open², you cannot change it to Open².

Q: How can I tell if a table is Open² or not?
A: If a table is Open², you will see this designation under the name of the table.

Q: What if I merge or join two data sets, one that is Open² and one that is not? Does Open² apply to derivative tables?
A: The resulting data will be Open². When the data from an Open² table is joined or merged with data from a regular table, the Open² requirements are applied to the entire table.

Q: Are implementing Factual's JavaScript widgets the only way to follow the Open² guidelines?
A: No, developers can have implementations approved that leverage the Factual server-side API. These implementations must follow the Open² guidelines and be submitted to Factual for approval. Please include a mock, URL, and server-side API key.

Q: Can a table change from or to Open²?
A: A table creator or uploader can remove the Open² designation on a table at any time, but the creator of an existing table without the Open² designation cannot change it to Open².

Q: What are the implementation requirements for a table that is not Open²?
A: Factual standard Terms of Service applies to all tables.

Q: Can Open² tables be downloadable?
A: No, they are not downloadable, but can be readily accessed through Factual Widgets. Also, feel free to contact Factual to discuss possible options.