Definition[]
Information quality (IQ) (also called Quality of information or QoI) is
| “ | a multidimensional concept that encompasses critical relationships among multiple attributes, such as timeliness, accuracy, relevancy, and others. Together, these attributes contribute to the validity of the information. Quality information is the cornerstone of sound agency decision making and inspires trust in the justice system and in the law enforcement entities that use information. Such information enables agencies to perform their jobs efficiently and effectively.[1] | ” |
| “ | various aspects of the information and the accuracy and validity of the actual values of the data, data structure, and database/data repository design. Traditionally, the basic elements of information quality have been identified as accuracy, completeness, currency, reliability, and context/meaning. Today, information quality is being more fully described in multidimensional models, expanding conventional views of the topic to include considerations of accessibility, security, and privacy.[2] | ” |
Overview[]
Basic information quality criteria are shown in the figure below. The varying purposes of information require different applications of these criteria to qualify it as valuable. Additionally, each decision relies on a different weighting of the information quality criteria to make the best decision.
Today, information quality is being more fully described in multidimensional models, expanding conventional views of the topic to include considerations of accessibility and privacy.
Privacy issues[]
Information quality plays an extremely important role in the protection of the privacy rights of individuals. Issues of privacy and information quality are inherently linked. Both concepts share multiple information attributes that influence appropriate treatment of personally identifiable information. Government agency privacy and civil liberties policies should address information quality in concert with privacy and civil liberties issues. Information quality is specifically enumerated as an issue to be considered in the Fair Information Practice Principles — Data Quality Principle.