LACEY TOWNSHIP, NJ – OPRAmachine is an online platform dedicated to improving the accessibility of public records in New Jersey, USA. The platform was founded by Gavin Rozzi in 2017 as a proof of concept and has since grown to become a tool for individuals to request and access public information from government entities under the New Jersey Open Public Records Act (OPRA).
Users can submit requests for public documents, and the platform facilitates the release and sharing of these documents, making them available to the wider community.
The platform has a mission to promote government accountability and transparency by making it easier for individuals to access public records and thereby enabling them to hold government institutions accountable.
Over the years, OPRAmachine has facilitated the release of a substantial amount of public information, making a significant impact on access to information in New Jersey, especially on a limited budget and against adversarial forces.
Gavin Rozzi has recently announced his decision to step down as the leader of OPRAmachine, although the platform will continue to operate under new leadership.
He reflects on the platform’s achievements, including standing up against wrongful obstructions to requests, turning the dataset into a peer-reviewed academic journal article, receiving recognition from media and legal bodies, and aiding journalists and community activists in unearthing crucial public information.
Throughout his tenure, Rozzi, along with his team, has confronted various challenges, including legal threats and technical issues, with resolve and dedication to the platform’s mission.
As he steps down, Rozzi expressed his confidence in the successor who will continue to drive the platform’s vision forward, ensuring that OPRAmachine remains a pioneering tool for public information access in New Jersey.