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Interoperability

Ensuring that information and services can be accessed efficiently, securely, and consistently across digital systems, without proprietary barriers or commercial lock-in

Interoperability means that public information, services, and infrastructure work together across organisational, technical, geographic, and institutional boundaries.

We believe that a person should not be trapped inside a particular platform, device, supplier, or system in order to access public services or participate in digital public life. They should be able to move their own information between services where appropriate, public records should remain accessible over time, and systems should be able to evolve or be replaced without breaking continuity, access, or accountability.

For a public-serving entity, Interoperability means using open standards, shared formats, common identifiers, and documented interfaces so that services can connect and exchange information reliably. Information should move predictably, securely, and intelligibly between trusted systems without unnecessary barriers, duplication, or dependencies. It means avoiding unnecessary lock-in, supporting portability and compatibility across devices and platforms, and designing services that remain usable across different technical environments, levels of connectivity, and assistive technologies.

Interoperability also means ensuring that information exchange is implemented securely – with proper authentication, auditability, and governance over how data moves between systems. Open and connected does not mean unprotected.

Example requirements (illustrative)

These example requirements are grounded in established international standards, regulations, and laws, which are listed in full in the section below.

  • Information and services are published using open, royalty-free standards wherever possible, rather than proprietary formats or closed technical dependencies.

  • Core public information uses shared vocabularies, identifiers, and metadata so that people, organisations, places, services, and records can be understood consistently across systems.

  • Public data is structured to support findability, accessibility, interoperability, and reuse across systems and institutions.

  • Public services expose appropriate APIs or equivalent interfaces to allow secure, authorised exchange with other trusted systems.

  • Systems are designed to avoid unnecessary vendor lock-in and to allow migration to alternative providers without loss of data, service continuity, or public accountability.

  • Dominant platforms or gatekeeper services that mediate access to public information must not block lawful interoperability, portability, or people’s choice.

Standards, regulations, and laws informing this work

Organisations working in this area**

Related standards: Responsibility to the Future Privacy