X must give researchers access to data required to monitor disinformation in the lead-up to the general elections scheduled for February 23, a German court has ruled.
The ruling by the Berlin Regional Court, which arrived on Friday, is a major win for activists, given billionaire Elon Musk’s radical changes at the popular social media platform.
The ruling favours the Civil Liberties Association (GFF) and Democracy Reporting International (DRI), both of which had filed an urgent appeal against X last week.
“This decision is a major win for research freedom and our democracy,” said a lawyer for the GFF. “By securing access to key research data, we can counter attempts to influence elections and send a strong signal for protecting fundamental rights in the digital age.”
The data being sought was crucial to ascertain the spread of misinformation related to the elections, the activists argued. According to the ruling, the research project led by the activists would be delayed if they were not granted access to the data needed.
In addition, the court has slapped X with a fine worth $6,200 for not complying with its orders. The company had not responded to the court’s requests.
The activists had asked for the data under the European Union’s (EU) Digital Services Act (DSA). It included metrics such as reposts, likes, and views.
