Data represent a new type of asset, used by a multiplicity of economic agents, not only to monitor economic, social and environmental trends, but also to make development happen. The so called «data revolution» is already under way and a lot of new sources (satellites, sensors, Internet, etc.) are being exploited to develop new datasets and provide new types of services and products. They could be used to orient policies and individual choices toward the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals agreed at the UN in September 2015. But a lot of challenges need to be faced, that could make the «data revolution» cause increasing inequalities.