The GSTN recently issued a warning to GST Suvidha Providers (GSPs), cautioning them against engaging in unethical activities such as scraping data from the GST Common Portal. GST Suvidha Providers are third-party service providers authorized by GSTN to assist the assessee in navigating the complexity of the GST system in India. They play a crucial role in connecting end-users with the GST Common Portal.
This advisory was prompted by concerning actions taken by specific GSPs and their associated Application Service Providers (ASPs). These entities were discovered to be extracting information from the GST Common Portal, which goes against ethical business practices and the original purpose of GSPs, which is to manage traffic and offer innovative solutions to end-users.
Essential Points:
- The Role of GST Suvidha Providers (GSPs) Explained: These are officially sanctioned entities tasked with delivering specialized services aimed at assisting taxpayers in meeting their Goods and Services Tax obligations in India. They function as intermediaries that bridge the gap between end-users and the GSTN.
- Expectations of Ethical Conduct: The advisory underscores the importance of GSPs adhering to ethical business conduct, which is a fundamental requirement for upholding a reliable and trustworthy system.
- Activities That Are Prohibited: The advisory also points out that certain GSPs or their affiliated Application Service Providers (ASPs) have been involved in unauthorized data extraction from the GST Common Portal.
- Legal Implications of Security Threats: These actions not only contravene the intended purpose and flow of data but also create security vulnerabilities. They infringe upon intellectual property rights and could potentially breach the terms of the agreement between the GSPs and the GSTN.
- Policy References: The advisory directs attention to the comprehensive usage policies available on their official website, likely for additional clarification regarding what is considered acceptable and unacceptable conduct.
- Cautionary Note and Future Steps: GSTN emphasizes that they retain the authority to take suitable measures against any entity discovered to be breaching these conditions.
- Appeal for Collaboration: The notice concludes by urging all parties involved to collaborate in order to uphold a sustainable and reliable GST Ecosystem.
The advisory from GSTN serves as a distinct and firm notice to all GSPs and their affiliated ASPs to strictly follow ethical and lawful business standards. Compliance with these standards is essential for maintaining the strength, security, and effectiveness of the GST ecosystem, which ultimately aims to simplify tax compliance for end-users.
Disregarding such warnings could result in significant consequences, not only for the non-compliant GSPs but also for the overall integrity of the GST system. Consequently, adhering to these guidelines is not just recommended; it is absolutely necessary for the uninterrupted operation of the GST network.
