Court Orders X to Share Election Data
- A German appeals court has ruled that X must provide vetted researchers with access to public data related to Hungary’s upcoming election.
- The decision marks a significant step in enforcing the EU’s Digital Services Act, which requires major platforms to support transparency efforts.
- Its outcome may influence how social networks handle researcher access across Europe.
Landmark Ruling Enforces EU Transparency Rules
A German appeals court has ordered X to grant researchers access to publicly available data connected to Hungary’s April 12 election. The ruling establishes a precedent for enforcing the EU’s Digital Services Act, which obliges large platforms to support research into risks such as disinformation and election manipulation. The court’s decision takes immediate effect, according to a spokesperson. Elon Musk reacted online by noting that X had open‑sourced its algorithm, though the case concerns access to engagement and reach data rather than ranking systems.
Democracy Reporting International, one of the plaintiffs, said the order requires X to share metrics tied to election‑related posts. The organization emphasized that the ruling is unrelated to the platform’s algorithmic code. X did not respond to requests for comment following the decision. The case highlights growing tension between regulators and platforms over transparency obligations.
Jurisdiction and Research Access Clarified
The plaintiffs, Democracy Reporting International and the Society for Civil Rights, previously failed to obtain similar data for Germany’s 2025 federal election. A lower court had ruled that jurisdiction belonged in Ireland, where X maintains its EU headquarters. The Berlin appeals court revisited the issue and determined that German courts could intervene when local researchers were denied data needed for public‑interest work. It concluded that X’s refusal hindered the organizations’ ability to conduct research in Germany.
The court ruled in favor of the two NGOs and stated that no further appeal is possible. Penalty payments may be imposed if X does not comply with the order. The decision is viewed as a milestone for civil society groups seeking to enforce digital rights through national courts. It also signals that platforms operating under the DSA may face legal consequences for failing to support researcher access.
Hungary’s Election Heightens Transparency Concerns
Hungary’s upcoming parliamentary election has intensified scrutiny of online political content. Prime Minister Viktor Orbán faces one of the strongest challenges to his leadership since 2010, with the opposition Tisza party leading in several polls. Pro‑government pollsters, however, continue to place Fidesz ahead, and many voters remain undecided. Previous elections in Hungary have been marked by concerns over media bias and disinformation.
The Hungarian government did not respond to requests for comment on the ruling. Observers say the decision could help civil society groups monitor online narratives during the election period. DRI argued that the order lowers barriers for organizations across Europe seeking to enforce transparency rules. The case underscores the growing importance of data access in evaluating digital influence on democratic processes.
The Digital Services Act is one of the EU’s most ambitious regulatory frameworks, requiring major platforms to assess and mitigate systemic risks. Researcher access to platform data has long been a contentious issue, with several companies limiting or restricting such access in recent years. Legal experts note that national courts may increasingly play a role in interpreting and enforcing DSA obligations. As more elections approach across Europe, similar disputes over transparency and data access are likely to emerge.
