Access Denied: Barriers to Data Access and Threats to Tech Researchers

"Independent researchers play a critical role in helping the public understand how digital platforms shape politics, public discourse, and democratic life. Yet access to platform data has become increasingly restricted, while legal, technical, and political pressures on researchers continue to grow.

This webinar, Access Denied: Barriers to Data Access and Threats to Tech Researchers, brings together leading experts to examine the state of platform-to-researcher data access and accountability. Panelists include Mark Scott (Atlantic Council), Courtney Radsch (Open Markets Institute), and Brandi Geurkink (Coalition for Independent Technology Research).

Drawing on a Columbia–Hertie transatlantic working group report on the barriers facing independent social media research, the discussion will explore efforts to expand researcher access to platform data, strengthen transparency and accountability, and build sustainable infrastructure for public-interest research under existing and emerging regulatory regimes."