EU Enhances Data Access for Researchers Under Digital Services Act

2025-07-10 data

Brussels, Thursday, 10 July 2025.
The European Commission’s new measures allow researchers unprecedented access to data from large online platforms and search engines, aiming to tackle digital platform challenges like misinformation.

Facilitating Critical Research

The European Commission’s implementation of measures under the Digital Services Act (DSA) marks a pivotal shift in how researchers can access data from very large online platforms (VLOPs) and search engines (VLOSEs) within the European Union. This initiative, through a delegated act published on July 2, 2025, facilitates independent research by allowing vetted researchers to explore systemic risks associated with these platforms, potentially enabling solutions to widespread issues such as misinformation and harmful content [1][2].

Operational Framework and Processes

Researchers must undergo a vetting process by Digital Services Coordinators (DSCs) to obtain this access, ensuring that only those who are appropriately qualified and independent from commercial interests can engage with the data. The Commission has also launched an online data access portal, offering a structured path for researchers to apply for data requests, while also establishing operational deadlines to streamline access [1][2].

Anticipated Benefits

The potential benefits of this move are substantial. By allowing researchers to delve into data that was previously inaccessible, the European Commission aims to enhance the understanding of systemic risks posed by digital platforms. This could lead to innovations in mitigating such risks, fostering a safer digital environment and promoting public trust in online services [3][4].

Current and Future Challenges

Despite the promising outlook, some challenges remain. Concerns about data protection and the adequacy of current data access methodologies have surfaced. There are unresolved issues related to the protection of personal data, especially concerning researchers from institutions outside the EU. Furthermore, the reliance on national regulators to oversee this process could be problematic due to varying interpretations and enforcement capabilities across EU states [4][5].

Bronnen

Digital Services Act data access