ERC Workshop on data access under the Digital Services Act (DSA) Article 40 (opening session)

The Digital Services Act (DSA) is an European legislation that specifies a set of rules to make the digital space safer and more trustworthy for users. It is applicable to all online intermediaries, for example online marketplaces, social networks, content-sharing platforms, app stores, and online travel and accommodation platforms. It applies in a proportionate way: the bigger the intermediary, the more stringent their obligations.

Article 40 of the DSA brings unprecedented opportunities for researchers to access data from very large online platforms and search engines (VLOPs and VLOSEs).

The impact of this legal provision will be extensive for researchers worldwide. It opens up new avenues for research on ‘systemic risks’ linked to the platforms’ services in the EU. This includes in particular negative effects related to the following:

• dissemination of illegal content
• exercise of fundamental rights (e.g. freedom of expression, media freedom and pluralism)
• public security, civic discourse, and electoral processes
• gender-based violence
• protection of public health and minors
• mental and physical wellbeing

The recent adoption of the Delegated Act under the DSA (July 2025) further sets out the rules for access to platforms’ internal data under an application process to national authorities – Digital Services Coordinators (DSCs).

It is essential for researchers to grasp the breadth and procedures outlined in DSA Article 40 for both ongoing and future projects. Additionally, exchanging experiences and best practices among researchers focused on systemic risks and mitigation strategies can enhance their collective endeavors within the research community.

The opening session (web-streamed) of the workshop aims to:

• raise awareness within the ERC community and beyond about the purpose of and the potential triggered by DSA Article 40 on data access

• foster dialogue between ERC grantees, experts, policymakers and the broader community about key opportunities and challenges.

It is part of a small invitation-only expert workshop taking place at the ERCEA on 22-23 October.

Agenda

13.30 - 13.40 | Welcome and introduction

Maria Leptin, President of the ERC

13.40 - 13.50 | Opening remarks

Gerd Gigerenzer, Vice-President of the ERC

13.50 - 14.10 | Data access under DSA Article 40

Marco Giorello, Head of Unit CNECT.F.1 – DSA Monitoring and Cooperation, European Commission, DG CONNECT

14.10 - 14.50 | Insights from ERC grantees

We will hear testimonials from a pilot that brought together ERC grantees and representatives of Digital Services Coordinators (DSCs)

• Catalina Goanta, Utrecht University
• Joana Gonçalves-Sá, LIP Lisboa
• Sanne Kruikemeier, Wageningen University
• Mariek Vanden Abeele, University of Ghent
• Laura Vandenbosch, KU Leuven

14.50 - 15.20 | Q&A session

15.20 - 15.30 | Wrap-up