Underutilised data: GST transactions are a rich mine for policymakers

The GSTN's concerns about privacy and security are important and must be respected, but they are not insurmountable

In the seven years since goods and services tax (GST) was introduced, an enormous number of transactions have been recorded by the GST Network, or GSTN. The question is whether this data can be put to use in multiple spheres. The GSTN has been understandably reluctant to be particularly open with this data because of privacy and security concerns. But, properly anonymised, there is much that could be done with this data to inform not just policymakers but also the markets and the broader public. The GST Council needs to be proactive in directing the GSTN to