European misinformation researchers claim major tech companies like TikTok, X, and Meta are obstructing access to platform data required under the EU's Digital Services Act (DSA).Despite regulatory fines and mandated improvements, researchers argue the changes do not provide reliable, scalable data.

The DSA aims to grant vetted researchers access to API data if they demonstrate it would help study systemic risks, such as illegal content or threats to fundamental rights.

However, two years after the law's implementation, researchers struggle with security requirements and platform interpretations of systemic risks.

Platforms like TikTok impose daily post limits on researcher accounts, while X's paywalled API data forces academics to pay hundreds of dollars monthly.Approval rates for data access vary widely, with TikTok approving 85% of applications and X rejecting 48%.Researchers criticize the current system for disincentivizing scientific study due to impractical storage requirements and lack of reproducible data.

The DSA40 Collaboratory tracks 46 applications, with 20 approved and 14 rejected, though true rejection rates may be higher due to voluntary reporting.Critics warn that the DSA risks enabling top-down control of political discourse rather than fostering transparency.