The CEPR Media Plurality Research and Policy Network (RPN) organised the 9th session of the Media Plurality Webinar Series, which was held on Monday, 5 May 2025, at 5 PM (CEST), 4 PM (BST), 11 AM (EDT).

We all know that the Digital Services Act (DSA) is now in force, and that the EU has introduced an unprecedented legal framework granting researchers access to platform data. But how can we access such data, and what exactly are companies obliged to disclose? This special policy-focused session will feature a presentation by Sophia Dietrich and Dr. Vassilios Copetinas from the European Commission’s DSA Enforcement Team, where they will clarify these and many other questions regarding the research data access under the DSA.

This session aimed to offer practical insights into how these transparency mechanisms are being implemented: Who is eligible to access platform data? What kind of data is available? How does the application process work? What is the role of the Commission and national Digital Services Coordinators (DSCs)?

Sophia and Vassilios also discussed early examples of research made possible by these new rules and guide us on engaging with the data access process moving forward. We are tailoring this session particularly to researchers working on digital platforms, algorithmic auditing, and media regulation, and this is a unique opportunity to engage directly with the team tasked with enforcing the DSA.

Their presentation was followed by an interactive Q&A session moderated by Professor Julia Cagé (Sciences Po and CEPR), leader of our RPN.

Exceptionally, this session was not be recorded. 

We hope you’ll join us for this timely and informative discussion!