Why is the DSA important to researchers?
One of the objectives of the Digital Services Act (DSA) is to better understand the risks that online services may entail for society. Therefore, the DSA requires providers of very large online platforms (VLOPs) and very large online search engines (VLOSEs) to grant researchers access to certain data.
These platforms are specifically designated by the European Commission and can be found in this list. Think for example of Facebook, Google, TikTok, …
🔬These data enable researchers to research the systemic risks stemming from the design, functioning or use of these services and systems. These risks include the dissemination of illegal content, negative effects on fundamental rights (freedom of expression, non-discrimination, children's rights, etc.), threats to public security and electoral processes, and risks related to gender-based violence, well-being and the protection of minors. Researchers can also examine the measures taken by the platforms to mitigate those risks.
Researchers who want to contribute to this and need access to non-public data for a specific research project can submit an application to become a “vetted researcher” thanks to the DSA. Please note that such recognition only applies to a concrete research project and must be applied for per VLOP or VLOSE.
Prior to the DSA, researchers were often dependent on voluntary initiatives from the platforms. As a result, the research possibilities to analyse the impact of the choices made by online platforms on the online ecosystem were often limited. The DSA now provides a legal framework to facilitate this extensive research.
What data can researchers request access to?
📊🔐 Researchers may request access to non-publicly accessible data of a VLOP or VLOSE for a specific research project.
At present, there are no VLOPs or VLOSEs based in Belgium. However, researchers associated with a Belgian research organisation can of course carry out research on these platforms.
If they require access to non-public data for their research, they may apply to become a vetted researcher. There are two ways to do this:
- Option 1: directly with the Digital Services Coordinator (DSC) of the country where the VLOP or VLOSE is established;
- Option 2: first through the BIPT. In that case, the BIPT or another competent Belgian DSA authority (VRM, CSA or Medienrat) will carry out an initial assessment of the application. The application is then forwarded to the DSC where the VLOP or VLOSE is established, which takes the final decision.
📊🔑 In addition, researchers, or for example members of non-profit organisations, may request access to publicly accessible data directly from the VLOP or VLOSE. You can find information about this on the website of the platforms themselves. You cannot submit an application to the BIPT to access these public data.
Information for researchers who want to be vetted
🔍 Researchers who wish to apply to become a vetted researcher for a specific research project will find the procedure to follow on the page Vetted researchers.
Applications must be submitted via the DSA Data Access Portal.
❓ Questions?
If you have any questions, please contact the BIPT via email.