BILETA Reponse to Ofcom's Call for Evidence on Researchers' Access to Regulated Online Services Information

This submission by the British and Irish Law, Technology, and Education Association (BILETA) responds to Ofcom's Call for Evidence concerning researchers' access to regulated online services information. Recognizing the critical role of independent research in understanding and mitigating online harms, this response addresses the legal, ethical, and practical considerations surrounding data access for academic and public interest research. It examines the balance between facilitating robust research and safeguarding user privacy, platform confidentiality, and national security. This submission advocates for a clear and transparent framework that enables researchers to access relevant data under appropriate safeguards, promoting accountability and evidence-based policy development. It emphasizes the need for standardized data access protocols, secure data sharing mechanisms, and ethical review processes that ensure responsible research practices. Furthermore, it considers the implications for interdisciplinary research, including the role of legal, social science, and technological expertise in analyzing the complex dynamics of regulated online services.