By enabling researchers to get access to previously un- and underdisclosed data, the DSA data access provisions will contribute to better monitoring of platform providers’ actions to tackle illegal content, as well as other societal risks such as the spread of disinformation, and risks that may affect the users’ mental health.
The call for evidence took place from 25 April to 31 May 2023. It yielded 133 contributions, gathering feedback on researchers’ data access needs. It also covered operational matters of data access, such as procedural and technical requirements for data access applications.
Respondents to the call for evidence stressed the need for a standardised application procedure as well as more guidance on the criteria researchers need to fulfil to become vetted researchers. They also highlighted the importance of having a mechanism aligning researchers’ data access needs and the rights of providers of VLOPs/VLOSEs. Many contributions also called for more clarity on those providers’ obligations under Article 40.12.
Based on the contributions received, the Commission is currently preparing a delegated act, detailing the technical conditions and procedural requirements for an efficient, practical and clear process for data access that also provides adequate safeguards against abuse. The delegated act is scheduled to be adopted in spring 2024.
Researchers’ access to data under Article 40 of the DSA will be part of a broader toolbox of transparency introduced by the DSA, which includes the DSA Transparency Database and the DSA transparency reports, among others.
Delegated Regulation on data access provided for in the Digital Services Act