STAATSKOERANT, 31 Mei 2024 No. 50741   145 Policy Interventions 15.2.1. All government data shall be captured in or converted to digital format. The services of primarily SMMEs should be sourced and utilized for this work, promoting local business involvement and fostering economic growth. 15.2.2. An Open Data Framework shall be developed to enable access to timely, accurate, complete, consistent, and valid government data for SMMEs, startups, citizens, and industry players. Access to such data shall comply with existing data protection policies and legislation, ensuring privacy and security are maintained. 15.2.3. A Data for Development Framework shall be established to facilitate the availability of timely, accurate, complete, consistent, and valid private sector data to the government, supporting service delivery. This data shall also be accessible to SMMEs, startups, and citizens to drive innovation and the development of digital solutions and tradable digital goods and services. The availability of such data shall comply with data protection laws and policies. 15.2.4. To promote digital economic inclusion, the government shall allocate resources and capacity to enforce universal service obligations. This will ensure that indigent communities, unemployed youth and graduates, and people with disabilities have access to free connectivity, enabling them to access online government services and digital platforms. Policy Proposals 15.2.5. All government data in digital format must be classified into the following categories: public or open data, confidential/sensitive data, secret, and top secret. 15.2.6. Access to data should not expire, and all data classified as public or open must remain accessible. 15.2.7. The public will enjoy on-demand access to data stored in the cloud. 15.2.8. The private sector shall make data available for development purposes in accordance with applicable data protection legislation. 15.2.9. Regulations to promote digital inclusion must consider social obligations, including, but not limited to, providing free data for indigent persons and households. 15.3. Creating a Digital Trust Environment Digital transformation involves digitizing many activities and processes that govern the daily lives of citizens. This shift highlights the extent to which modern economies have become dependent on digitization in finance, health, education, agriculture, transport, entertainment, 23 This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za