Who owns government websites?

I have a very strong view on who owns a government agency's website - it's operated by the agency on behalf of the public.

The teams who look after the code, functionality, design and content are custodians and gatekeepers who ensure that the website;

• works (is online 24/7)
  
• meets all required standards
• uses appropriate current tools and approaches to maximise its effectiveness
  
• is attractive and interesting, and, most importantly,
• meets the needs of the agency's audiences

However I've found in practice, and not just in government, that collective ownership is a hard concept for many to grasp.

Over the years I've heard many individuals make statements such as (actual quotes);

• Public sector Senior IT manager: It's my code
• Private sector Marketing VP: The website is a communications tool, I own it

I know that humans love to own stuff - it's the basis of our consumer society.

Ownership is also important for peoples' careers - often people judge their own success by what they 'own' (or control) professionally - staff, resources and businesses.

Irregardless of which area or executive manages or funds a website, who writes the content or cuts the code, if it doesn't meet the needs of the organisation's customers - does it have any value at all?

As professionals, don't we have an obligation to consider the big picture?

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