EU researchers struggle to access social media data despite new law

European researchers seeking to study the harms of social media are facing a data access problem despite a new EU law designed to give them unprecedented rights to scrutinize Big Tech. Under the Digital Services Act (DSA), which took effect in February 2024, researchers can request internal data from platforms like TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), and Meta to investigate systemic risks such as disinformation, hate speech, and child safety. However, researchers say these companies are still deciding who gets to look inside, creating delays and uncertainty.

The DSA requires very large online platforms (VLOPs) with over 45 million users in the EU to grant vetted researchers access to data for studies on societal risks. Affected platforms include TikTok, X, and Meta’s Facebook and Instagram. The law matters because independent research is crucial for understanding and mitigating online harms, but without timely data access, studies are stalled. For example, researchers at the University of Amsterdam and other institutions have submitted requests but report months-long waits or outright denials.

Specific figures show that as of March 2024, only a handful of researchers have been granted access under the DSA. The European Commission has designated 19 VLOPs, including Amazon, Apple, and Google, but the focus is on social media. Background: Before the DSA, researchers relied on voluntary data-sharing agreements, which were often limited or revoked. The DSA aims to change that by making data access a legal right, but platforms can reject requests if they deem them insufficiently specific or if the researcher is not accredited.

Next steps: The European Commission is expected to issue guidelines on how to handle disputes over data access. Meanwhile, researchers are calling for faster decisions and transparency from platforms. Some have threatened to file complaints with national regulators, which could lead to fines of up to 6% of a company’s global annual turnover. The outcome will determine whether the DSA fulfills its promise of opening the black box of social media algorithms to public scrutiny.