Access to platform data for vetted researchers under the DSA
                  

                
                                  






  







  



  
    
              
        
        
      
      
                        
          

Summary

From 29 October 2025, researchers are able to file applications for vetted status with ACM.
As ‘vetted researchers’, they are able to request access to non-public data from very large online platforms and search engines.
Only researchers that are affiliated with scientific research organizations are eligible for vetted status, and must meet certain criteria. 


  

  

    
      
          

      

  


                






        
          

From 29 October 2025, researchers are able to file applications for vetted status with the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) in order to gain access to non-public data from very large online platforms and search engines. Non-public data includes for example data about online behavioral patterns or about the functioning of algorithms. Researchers that need this type of data for a specific research project must file an application for vetted status first. They can do so on a dedicated website: the DSA data access portal.


While researchers were previously dependent on the voluntary cooperation of very large online platforms, these platforms are now required under the Digital Services Act (DSA) to make certain data available. This obligation applies to the major platforms and search engines, the so-called 
Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs) or Very Large Online Search Engines (VLOSEs). Examples include Facebook, TikTok, and Google. With this data, researchers are able to conduct research into systemic risks on these VLOPs and VLOSEs. Systemic risks are risks that can inflict serious harm to society or the economy at large, for example, the impact of recommendation systems on the mental health of users, or the dissemination of illegal content. This type of research is important, because it helps increase transparency regarding the social impact of these platforms, and regarding what measures are effective for mitigating such systemic risks.
Criteria for the status of vetted researcher


Before researchers can gain access to the data for their research, they first need to apply for the status of ‘vetted researcher’. This status is granted by the Digital Services Coordinator (DSC) of the country in which the VLOP or VLOSE into the researcher wishes to conduct research has been established. The DSC assesses whether the researcher’s application meets the statutory criteria. For example, researchers must be affiliated with a university or any other academic institute, and they must be independent from any commercial interests. In addition, they must demonstrate that they handle the data in a secure and confidential manner. Also, the researchers must make the research results publicly available, free of charge. Only if the DSC finds that the researcher meets all the criteria, will it grant the status of ‘vetted researcher’, and will it request the VLOP or VLOSE to make the data available for the vetted researcher.


ACM is the DSC in the Netherlands. ACM therefore assesses the applications filed by researchers that request access to data from the VLOPs or VLOSEs that are established in the Netherlands. These are Snapchat, Booking.com, AliExpress, and Wikipedia. In addition, researchers in the Netherlands are able to file with ACM requests for access to data from VLOPs or VLOSEs that are established in other EU member states. In that case, ACM carries out an initial assessment, and forwards this with the application to the DSC in the other EU member state that is ultimately able to grant the vetted status to the researcher.
Procedure


Applications for the status of vetted researcher can be filed using the DSA data access portal: 
Home | DSA Data Access Portal. As soon as an application filed by a researcher has been approved, the DSC of the country in which the VLOP or VLOSE has been established will file a request for data access with that platform. Such a request will indicate what data must be made available as well as the conditions under which that access must be granted.


More information about data access by vetted researchers can be found on our website: Vetted researchers | ACM
See also


Overview of VLOPS and VLOSES: Supervision of the designated very large online platforms and search engines under DSA | Shaping Europe’s digital future
29-10-2025 
Press statement of the European Board for Digital Services following its 16th meeting


  

  


    
          
                                          
                                  
                        
                                  
                                
                  

                
          
          
          Publication characteristics
          
                                    
                Publication date
                29-10-2025
              
                      
                                    
                Publication type
                  News

              
                      

                      
              Spokesperson
              
                                    Jeannette Duin

                              
            
          
                                

          
                      

                                    
                Keywords
                  Internet

              
                      
                                    
                Subjects
                  Digital economy

New Access Rules for Researchers Under DSA

From October 29, 2025, researchers will be able to apply for vetted status with the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) to access non-public data from very large online platforms (VLOPs) and search engines. This data includes insights into online behavioral patterns and algorithm functions.

 Previously, researchers relied on the voluntary cooperation of these platforms, but the Digital Services Act (DSA) now mandates that VLOPs and Very Large Online Search Engines (VLOSEs) provide certain data. This change aims to facilitate research into systemic risks posed by these platforms, such as the effects of recommendation systems on mental health and the spread of illegal content.

 To gain vetted status, researchers must meet specific criteria, including affiliation with an academic institution and independence from commercial interests. They must also ensure secure handling of data and commit to making research findings publicly available. The Digital Services Coordinator (DSC) in the relevant country will assess applications for vetted status.

 ACM serves as the DSC in the Netherlands, evaluating applications for access to data from platforms like Snapchat, Booking.com, AliExpress, and Wikipedia. Researchers can also apply for data access from VLOPs or VLOSEs based in other EU member states, with ACM conducting initial assessments before forwarding applications.



New Access Rules for Researchers Under DSA

Starting from October 29, 2025, researchers can apply for vetted status to access non-public data from major online platforms under the Digital Services Act.