[bregma]

The only reason to not make something public is because you're trying to hide something.

Even if it's just that 'your data is a mess'... you want to hide the fact that your data is a mess.

Data is either open, or you're trying to hide something. You're lying about something. Period.

[edmundsauto]

This is not true - there are plenty of other reasons.

- it requires more effort than not releasing it - it requires approvals from other branches that are difficult to receive - your staff don’t have the expertise (yes, this is a real thing some places!) or budget

I’m sure there are many other reasons too.

[jcims]

TFA is arguing that raw, unsupported data that is difficult to consume is neither 'public' or 'open'.

Regarding hiding data, there can be many good justifications for that. Carelessly sharing data with the public is not particularly safe or wise.