New taskforce for social platforms data access
New taskforce to champion research access to social platform data
Smart Data Research UK (SDR UK) is today announcing the formation of a new taskforce to address longstanding challenges researchers face in accessing data from digital platforms.
The Social Platforms Data Access Taskforce will advocate for responsible, ethical, and secure access to data from a wide range of online social platforms. This includes social media, video-sharing services, messaging apps, online forums, livestreaming platforms, and other regulated digital services that define modern public life.
The taskforce will engage with academia, civil society, government and industry to shape the future of research access to data from regulated online services, including platforms that influence public discourse, commerce, culture, and wellbeing.
This initiative comes at a time of heightened public interest in the societal impacts of digital platforms—ranging from cyberbullying and disinformation to the influence of online communities, digital learning, and the evolving nature of social interaction.
Joe Cuddeford, Director of SDR UK, said: “There’s a limit to how much we can understand about digital life without proper access to platform data. Sorting this out now is crucial if we are to unlock insights that benefit the public in areas like health, education, and democracy.
“This new taskforce will play a vital role in galvanising the UK research community, shaping how we improve access to platform data, and developing approaches that balance innovation, privacy, and responsibility.”
Professor Kate Dommett (Co-chair) added: “Access to platform data is essential for understanding how digital technologies affect society—from online harms to positive outcomes like community building and creative expression. Researchers in the UK currently face significant barriers to accessing this data. We will work to develop practical, ethical solutions that transform how research in this vital area is conducted.”
About the taskforce
The taskforce is led by a team of distinguished experts:
- Dr Amy Orben (Co-chair) – UKRI Future Leaders Fellow, University of Cambridge.
- Professor Kate Dommett (Co-chair) – Professor of Digital Politics, University of Sheffield.
- Dr David Zendle – Expert in data donation and ethical data infrastructure.
- Mark Scott – Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council’s Democracy + Tech Initiative.
The launch of the taskforce comes at a pivotal moment. Researcher access to platform data has become increasingly restricted, while the UK’s Data Use and Access Act 2025 introduces new powers for ministers to mandate data access for research.
A core focus of the taskforce is to shape how these provisions are implemented. The taskforce is actively contributing to Ofcom’s consultation process and engaging with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and other stakeholders to ensure the new regulatory powers support safe, ethical, and effective research access.
Upcoming engagements
The taskforce will host a series of webinars and workshops to engage researchers, policymakers, industry, and civil society. These events will foster collaboration and help shape the work of the taskforce.
To register your interest, please contact: smartdataresearch@ukri.org
