Protected system designation for GST database restricts access to authorised GSTN staff, tax officers, vendors and partners. The Goods and Services Tax Database and associated infrastructure at GSTN are declared a protected system under the Information Technology Act, with access restricted to designated GSTN employees authorised by the Head of GSTN, designated tax officers, auditing agencies and accounting authorities, authorised contractual managed service provider or third-party vendor personnel and GSTN authorised business partners; the notification takes effect on publication in the Official Gazette.