Delegated Act on Data Access for Researchers Enters into Force
29 October 2025
On October 29, 2025, the European Commission's delegated act on data access for authorized researchers, adopted pursuant to Article 40 of the Digital Services Act (DSA), enters into force. The new regulations clarify the principles under which very large online platforms (VLOPs) and search engines (VLOSEs) should make data available to authorized researchers acting in the public interest.
The entry into force of the act provides significant support to the scientific community and enables independent research on the functioning of digital giants, including the impact of the algorithms used by platforms on public debate, the spread of disinformation, and threats to user rights.
The new regulations specify:
• the operation of the data access portal, which will be the central point for processing data requests;
• information and contact obligations for platforms and digital service coordinators;
• requirements for submitting reasoned data access requests, including their content, form, and the criteria they must meet;
• principles for processing personal data and ensuring information security;
• the application process, possible modifications, and mediation;
• requirements for platforms regarding the documentation and management of data they make available to researchers.
Thanks to the new regulations, authorized researchers – acting in the public interest and meeting certain criteria – will be able to more effectively analyze the functioning of very large digital platforms. This not only increases the transparency of the internet but also strengthens the ability to counter harmful online phenomena.
The entry into force of the delegated act opens a new chapter in cooperation between science and the digital sector. We encourage the academic and research communities to familiarize themselves with the details of the act and the procedure for requesting access to data.
More information and the full text of the delegated act are available here.