Event details
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 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.
The panelists will also address mounting legal and political threats to independent researchers, including disputes over public-interest scraping, data donations, and cross-border collaboration, as well as the broader implications of these conflicts for democratic accountability and the information environment.
This event is part of the Digital Governance for Democratic Renewal webinar series, hosted by Tech Policy Press, Columbia World Projects, and the Centre for Digital Governance at the Hertie School.