European researchers blocked from accessing social‑media data needed to study platform harms

A recent Wired report highlights challenges faced by European scholars. Researchers aim to investigate the harmful effects of social media platforms. They report difficulty obtaining the necessary user data for analysis. Data providers cite privacy regulations and corporate policies as barriers. The lack of access limits the scope of academic studies on misinformation and addiction. Policymakers are being urged to create clearer data‑sharing frameworks. The article notes ongoing debates over balancing privacy with research needs. The situation underscores a broader tension between tech firms and academia.