A Berlin appeals court has issued a groundbreaking decision forcing Elon Musk’s social media platform X to provide qualified researchers with access to public information related to Hungary’s upcoming parliamentary election.
The ruling, announced Tuesday by Democracy Reporting International, one of the organizations that brought the case, requires X to share data including post reach and user engagement metrics connected to Hungary’s electoral process. A court representative confirmed Wednesday that the decision goes into effect immediately.
Legal experts consider this verdict a significant breakthrough in enforcing the European Union’s Digital Services Act, which requires major online platforms to provide researchers with data access to help identify threats like false information, hate speech, and electoral interference.
X has not provided any response to requests for comment regarding the court order.
The case was filed by two organizations: Democracy Reporting International (DRI) and the Society for Civil Rights (GFF). These same groups had previously been unsuccessful in obtaining comparable information from X for Germany’s 2025 federal election.
Initially, a lower court determined that the matter fell under Irish jurisdiction, since X operates its European headquarters there. However, the Berlin appeals court took a different approach, ruling that German courts have authority when local issues are involved, such as when German researchers are prevented from accessing essential data for work serving the public interest.
The appeals court sided with the two advocacy organizations, stating that X’s refusal to cooperate hindered their research capabilities within Germany.
“No appeal can be lodged against the decision,” stated Joschka Selinger, an attorney representing GFF. He added that the ruling could be enforced through financial penalties if X refuses to comply.
The case comes as Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban confronts his most serious political challenge since his Fidesz party gained control in 2010. The center-right opposition Tisza party currently leads in most public opinion surveys, though government-aligned polling organizations show Fidesz ahead, and many voters have not yet decided.
Hungary’s past elections have been marked by allegations of media manipulation and the spread of false information.
Hungarian government officials did not provide an immediate response when contacted for comment Wednesday.
DRI argued that this court decision will make it easier for civil society organizations throughout Europe to use national courts to protect digital rights.
Legal observers interpret the ruling as a warning to major platforms subject to DSA regulations that blocking researcher access could result in legal action across EU member nations.
