The National Statistics Committee will gain access to digital data from private companies for the compilation of official statistics

President Sadyr Zhaparov has signed a law amending the ‘On Official Statistics’ Act, which expands the sources of data used to compile official statistics. One of the key changes is the introduction of the concept of ‘private data providers’ – legal entities holding digital data sets that can be used for statistical purposes.

Under the amendments, the National Statistical Committee will be able to obtain data not only from state bodies but also from private companies on the basis of bilateral agreements. Such agreements must specify the scope and format of the information to be transferred, the procedure for anonymising it, data protection measures, retention periods and rules of use. The information obtained may be used exclusively for the compilation of official statistics.

Furthermore, the law provides for more active use of administrative data held by government bodies to reduce the burden on citizens and businesses. Government departments holding the necessary information are now obliged to provide it free of charge to the producers of official statistics in the prescribed formats and within the specified timeframes.

The legislation also updates the system for planning statistical work. A five-year Medium-Term Programme for the Development of Official Statistics is being introduced, whilst the Statistical Work Plan will set out the list of indicators, data sources and the bodies responsible for producing statistical information.

The Act will come into force six months after its official publication. The Cabinet of Ministers has been instructed to bring regulatory acts into line with the new requirements.