Elon Musk Seeks EU Risk Researchers to Study X: Apply Now!

Table of Contents: Elon Musk Seeks EU Risk Researchers to Study X: Apply Now!

• European Union Requires Larger Platforms to Provide Research Data Access
• Twitter Still Calls for Time to Design EU’s Digital Services Act
• Research Intends to Study System Risks in the EU
• Mathia Vermeulen Tweets Handy Thread to Explain How to Apply for Data Access
• Independent Research Access Under Threat by Musk’s Actions
• EU’s DSA May Sidestep Musk’s Arbitrary Restrictions on Data Access

European Union Requires Larger Platforms to Provide Research Data Access

Under the European Union’s Digital Services Act (DSA), larger online platforms, known as Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs), are now required to provide researchers with access to their data. This requirement aims to facilitate research on systemic risks associated with these platforms, including disinformation, child safety issues, gender-based violence, mental health concerns, and algorithmic accountability. The EU regulators recognize that platforms like Twitter, now owned by Elon Musk, pose significant risks and require additional measures to ensure transparency and accountability. However, Twitter has been slow in designing its VLOP application, prompting concerns about its compliance with the DSA. Despite Musk’s previous criticism of open-access research, the EU regulators are determined to enforce the law and ensure that researchers have access to the necessary data to study the risks associated with these platforms. The EU is committed to fostering a transparent digital ecosystem where users can make informed decisions and platforms are held accountable for their actions.

Twitter Still Calls for Time to Design EU’s Digital Services Act

Twitter has expressed a need for more time to contribute to the design of the European Union’s (EU) Digital Services Act (DSA). The DSA places stringent legal requirements on Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs) like Twitter, including providing researchers with data access to study systemic risks, such as disinformation, child safety issues, gender-based violence, mental health concerns, and more. Twitter’s call for more time comes amid Elon Musk’s ownership of the company and his recent decisions that have raised concerns among regulators and lawmakers. Musk’s actions, including his arbitrary suspension of journalists and the reinstatement of previously banned accounts, have highlighted the need for robust rules and regulations to govern big tech platforms.

Research Intends to Study System Risks in the EU

Research Intends to Study System Risks in the EU:

The European Union (EU) has set forth a new research initiative aimed at studying the systemic risks associated with Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs) within the bloc. This research is being conducted in accordance with the provisions outlined in the Digital Services Act (DSA), which came into effect in April 2023. The DSA imposes additional rules and regulations on large online platforms, with the goal of ensuring user safety and addressing concerns related to disinformation, child safety, gender-based violence, mental health, and algorithmic transparency. The research initiative seeks to gain a deeper understanding of the potential risks and challenges posed by VLOPs, such as Twitter under Elon Musk’s ownership, and will provide valuable insights for shaping future policy and regulatory measures.

Mathia Vermeulen Tweets Handy Thread to Explain How to Apply for Data Access

The recent tweet thread by Director Mathia Vermeulen offers a comprehensive guide on applying for data access under the European Union’s Digital Services Act (DSA). The DSA imposes strict legal requirements on large online platforms, known as Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs), to provide researchers with access to data for studying systemic risks, including disinformation, child safety, gender-based violence, and mental health concerns. While Twitter is still in the process of designing its VLOP program to meet the criteria set by the DSA, it appears that the company is at least acknowledging the need to establish a transparent process for researchers to apply for data access. The application process, as outlined in Vermeulen’s thread, involves filling out a web form and providing detailed information about the research project, including its objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes. Researchers must also demonstrate their ability to securely handle the data provided by the platform. While it remains to be seen how effectively the DSA will facilitate open access research in the EU, Vermeulen’s thread provides a much-needed roadmap for researchers navigating the legal and practical challenges of obtaining data from large online platforms.

Independent Research Access Under Threat by Musk’s Actions

Independent researchers face potential obstacles in accessing data under Elon Musk’s ownership of Twitter. Although Twitter initially appeared compliant with legal requirements, including those set by the European Union (EU), there are concerns that Musk’s actions could undermine independent research access. The EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA) places specific obligations on Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs) to provide researchers with data access to study systemic risks. However, Musk’s recent decisions, such as suspending platform access and threatening legal action against independent researchers, raise questions about Twitter’s commitment to transparency and open research. To ensure continued access to Twitter’s data for research purposes, the EU regulators must closely monitor the platform’s compliance with the DSA and take appropriate enforcement actions if necessary.

EU’s DSA May Sidestep Musk’s Arbitrary Restrictions on Data Access

The Digital Services Act (DSA) of the European Union (EU) may potentially circumvent Elon Musk’s arbitrary restrictions on data access. The DSA, set to go into effect in 2024, introduces stricter rules and regulations for online platforms, including those designated as Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs). These platforms will be required to provide researchers with access to data for the purpose of studying systemic risks related to disinformation, child safety, gender-based violence, mental health concerns, and other societal issues. While Twitter, now under Musk’s ownership, continues to experience ongoing internal changes, the DSA presents a significant development that could significantly impact the platform’s approach to data access for research purposes.