X Challenges German Court Order Granting Data Access to Election Researchers

X Challenges German Court Order Granting Data Access to Election Researchers

The digital age has fundamentally reshaped the landscape of political discourse, with social media platforms like X playing a pivotal role in shaping public opinion and influencing electoral outcomes. This influence has, understandably, raised concerns about the potential for manipulation, misinformation, and other systemic risks that could undermine the integrity of democratic processes. In response to these concerns, the European Union has enacted the Digital Services Act (DSA), a landmark piece of legislation designed to promote a safer and more accountable online environment. A key provision of the DSA requires large online platforms to facilitate public interest research into systemic risks, including those related to elections. This legal framework forms the backdrop for the current dispute between X and two German civil society organizations: Democracy Reporting International and the German Society for Civil Rights (GFF). These organizations are seeking access to public data f…