European software researchers can again use the APIs of

X matches the Conditions for developers. Software researchers living in the European Union once again have free access to the social media platform’s APIs. In February, when it was still simply called Twitter, X made the unpopular decision to make access to the platform’s APIs chargeable to all external actors. A decision that has already had to be partially reversed.

The updated terms of use state that it allows researchers access to “detect, identify and understand systemic risks in the European Union.” Here X quotes the Digital Services Act almost verbatim and that also explains the motivation behind this decision: It is a must. X reserves the right to provide access only “to the extent necessary to fulfill the obligations under the DSA.”

Reluctantly

It’s clear from the wording that X is reluctant to share its APIs with researchers. The platform offers insights into the internal kitchen via the APIs. Elon Musk’s main goal was to close his pots and pans from prying eyes, but the Digital Services Act is forcing him to reopen X’s doors. The Digital Services Act, among other things, obliges the owners of large social media platforms to take responsibility in combating misinformation and hate speech.

The general consensus is that X is sorely lacking these days. Musk supports freedom of expression and interprets this right very broadly. The European Commission has repeatedly asked the technology group IBM to take a more specific approach and announce an advertising stop on the platform after its ads with Nazi messages were placed.