Independent research on the societal impacts of AI and social media platforms is essential, yet accessing the data and information necessary to do it is increasingly challenging. This session, hosted by CITR members, brings together AI and social media researchers to map out and evaluate strategies for advancing independent research and platform transparency.
Coalition members hosting this event include:
- Shayne Longpre: PhD Candidate at MIT and researcher focusing on the intersection of AI and policy.
- Ruth Appel: Stanford Impact Labs Postdoctoral Fellow at Stanford University and researcher focusing on the societal impact of AI and social media.
- Kevin Klyman: Policy researcher at Stanford University advocating for responsible uses of technology to reduce harm and advance peace.
- Mark Scott: Senior Resident Fellow, Atlantic Council’s Digital Forensic Lab Democracy + Tech Initiative.
- Claire Pershan: Mozilla Foundation’s EU Advocacy Lead.
- Maximilian Gahntz: Leads the Mozilla Foundation’s work on AI policy.
This workshop will begin with an exploration of existing transparency and auditing provisions, including the Digital Services Act (DSA), and their implications for independent research. We’ll discuss the growing tensions between platforms and external researchers, unpacking the obstacles to data access and the barriers that hinder meaningful accountability.
Following the discussion, participants will break into facilitated groups to share insights from their own research and policy efforts. These conversations will focus on the challenges and trade-offs of different data access models, including “permissioned” versus “un-permissioned” approaches, and the ethical and legal complexities researchers face when studying technology platforms.
As an outcome of the session, participants can opt to contribute to a draft guidance on independent platform research, co-developed with our partners at Stanford University. This collective resource will reflect lessons learned from the workshop and help shape future research and policy approaches to ensure greater transparency in AI and social media systems.
This workshop is open to coalition members and selected invitees. To attend, please contact info@independenttechresearch.org.
This session is part of CITR’s Member Session Series. These sessions are learning opportunities to strengthen members’ capacities and abilities as independent tech researchers. Member sessions include Fireside Chats, Workshops, and Demo Fairs where participants exchange insights or explore tools, techniques and best practices. Outputs include ideas, knowledge, new data or projects that the community can take back to their work.