A report by the European Digital Media Observatory’s (EDMO) Working Group on Platform-to-Researcher Data Access was delivered to the European Commission Vice-President for Values and Transparency Věra Jourová during EDMO’s annual conference on June 13.
The report on Platform-to-Researcher Data Access includes a draft Code of Conduct on how platforms can share data with independent researchers while protecting users’ rights.
In 2021, a working group of twelve representatives from academia, civil society, and technology companies was established by EDMO and tasked with the drafting of a Code of Conduct on access to platform data under Article 40 of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
Access to data from major digital media platforms such as Meta, Twitter and Google can help independent researchers provide clearer picture to the public about online disinformation and other phenomena that impact platform users and societies.
This report clarifies how platforms may provide access to data to independent researchers in a GDPR-compliant manner.
“I believe this report represents a major step forward in discussions of platform-to-researcher data access.
“The draft Code’s guidance on GDPR compliance and its recommendations for how to safeguard against risks to data subjects offer new insights for researchers and their institutions, for platforms, and for policymakers and regulators alike.
“I am grateful to the Working Group members for all of their engagement over the past year and to AWO who have provided excellent support and expert advice during this time.”
Working Group Chair Rebekah Tromble
For further information and updates please contact edmo@eui.eu
