Landmark Ruling Pushes Digital Transparency in EU Elections

A German appeals court has mandated social media platform X to provide researchers access to data on Hungary's election. This ruling sets a precedent for digital transparency under the EU's Digital Services Act. The decision enhances researchers' abilities to study online risks and enforce digital rights.

A German appeals court has set a significant precedent by ordering X, a social media platform, to grant vetted researchers access to data related to Hungary's April 12 election. This move is seen as a step forward in enforcing EU digital transparency rules amid an approaching contentious vote.

The Berlin Court of Appeal's decision compels X, owned by Elon Musk, to disclose information such as the reach and engagement of election posts. Democracy Reporting International, a plaintiff in the case, announced that the ruling is effective immediately. This ruling is pivotal in the application of the EU's Digital Services Act, aiming to curb disinformation, hate speech, and election manipulation.

The case gained traction after previous attempts to obtain similar data for Germany's federal election failed. The appeals court determined that German jurisdiction applies when local researchers are denied data crucial for public interest investigations. This decision marries legal authority with digital rights, heralding potential legal consequences for platforms that defy the EU's mandates.

(With inputs from agencies.)