Members of the Coalition for Independent Technology Research today requested leave to intervene in X v. European Commission.
X’s Digital Services Act violations have prevented researchers from using publicly available data for their research. CITR requested to intervene in support of the EU Commission on this case, because CITR members and the entire technology research ecosystem may be affected significantly by the future judgement.
Background: X vs. Commission
In December 2025, the European Commission issued a fine of €120 million to X for breaching its transparency obligations under the Digital Services Act. The Commission held that X breached its obligations through deceptive design of its ‘blue checkmark’, the lack of transparency of its advertising repository, and the failure to provide access to public data for researchers. In February 2026, X appealed the Commission’s fine.
Researchers derive their ability to study and research X services from Articles 39 and 40 of the EU Digital Services Act, both of which have been enforced in the contested decision. The invalidation of the Commission’s decision would have significant negative implications for CITR members and the research community at large.
Why CITR is requesting leave to intervene in X vs. Commission
This case is precedent setting. The experience of over 550 academic and civil society researchers who are members of CITR can provide important context for the Court in this case. Access to public data of very large online platforms, required by the DSA, is essential for researchers to investigate, research and to understand how digital platforms shape information, power, markets, and democracy. The outcome of this ruling could influence how the Commission pursues data access violations of other online platforms. Independent technology research and the insight it provides about how platforms affect society today are at risk.
X’s DSA violations prevent vital technology research
X has made it difficult, and sometimes impossible, to conduct research into its platform through technical, organisational and legal barriers it erects. The DSA obligations for access to public data exist to increase transparency around how online platforms function, how they treat user data, and how they shape the information landscape. Granting access to data, as prescribed by the law, is the minimum X must do to increase transparency. Without data access, independent researchers can’t provide vital insights to help the public understand how algorithms shape and impact people’s online experiences.
This is an evolving case, and further updates will be shared here and on our social media channels, LinkedIn, BlueSky and Mastodon.
About CITR
The Coalition for Independent Technology Research is a global network working to ensure that technology research serves the public good. The Coalition’s mission is to advance, defend, and sustain the right to ethically study the impact of technology on society.