Recommendations on social media data access for research into online harms – webinar
Join us for the launch of the Social Platforms Data Access Taskforce’s final report.
Date: Wednesday 9 September 2026
Time: 14.00 – 15.30 (UK Time)
Format: Online presentation followed by a Q&A
About the report
Established by Smart Data Research UK (SDR UK), the Taskforce is an independent, expert-led initiative co-chaired by Professor Amy Orben (University of Cambridge) and Professor Kate Dommett (University of Sheffield), with core members Dr David Zendle (University of York / SDDS) and Mark Scott (Atlantic Council).
The Taskforce was set up to tackle critical barriers to accessing platform-origin data for public-interest research. Over the past year it has engaged across academia, government, civil society, and industry to build an evidence base and set out phased, actionable recommendations on key data access pathways, including public-interest web scraping, user data donation, and statutory intermediated access.
What to expect
Taskforce leadership will present key findings and discuss recommendations for future national data infrastructure, regulatory implementation (under the Online Safety Act and Data (Use and Access) Act), and research.
Who should attend
Researchers and networks across social media, computational social science, and online safety. Please share with colleagues and award holders who’d benefit.
Register here
This is an important moment for research access to platform data in the UK. If you are a researcher, register now to be part of the conversation shaping the future of digital research.
To hear more about the work of the Taskforce, please sign up for updates by emailing: taskforce@mrc-cbu.cam.ac.uk.
