News

As of 29 October 2025, new rules under the Digital Services Act (DSA) will allow researchers to gain unprecedented access to very large online platforms' data to study the societal impact stemming from the platforms' systems. To get access to platforms' data, researchers will have to undergo a strict assessment carried out by Digital Services Coordinators, the national authorities responsible for the implementation of the DSA. If researchers fulfil all the criteria prescribed by the law and if the research projects are relevant for studying systemic risks, including the spread of illegal content or negative effects on mental health, under the DSA, the platforms are legally required to comply with their data requests. Understanding the potential risks that online platforms can have on their users is another step in ensuring platforms' accountability. Read more about the Digital Services Act (DSA)."