BLUF: Recent changes on social media platform X, particularly the removal of free access to the platform’s API, have dramatically altered researchers’ insights into the dissemination of information and influence. New, previously unknown entities are emerging as hugely influential commentators within a short span of time. This evolving media landscape, rife with misinformation, requires fresh and innovative research methods to gain comprehensive insights into the impact and trajectory of information flow on X and similar platforms.
OSINT: Recently, a research group at the University of Washington found that access to X’s (formerly Twitter) application programming interface (API), which had enabled free extraction and processing of vast data amounts from the platform, was no longer free. The financial burden of the new cost model proves prohibitive for most research groups. The restricted access to free data severely affected their research timelines and insights – what used to take an afternoon now took a week, and the data gathered was partial and incomplete.
The team discovered that seven relatively unknown accounts accumulated hundreds of millions of views daily, surpassing the reach of standard news accounts. Prominent individuals, like Elon Musk, had engaged with six of these accounts, amplifying their influence. These influential accounts included a London teenager sharing antisemitic posts, a US soldier disseminating pro-Russian propaganda, and a right-wing Polish news group.
The researchers noted a drastic alteration in the platform’s dynamics. They argued that X remained a critical hub for news dissemination to a significant segment of the public who are deeply engaged in news production and consumption.
They lamented the erasure of credibility signals, making it harder for users to identify credible sources and focus their attention. They fear this will lead to an environment devoid of trust and safety protocols. The researchers believe that studying X and similar platforms, and the impact of their changes on information dissemination, is more important than ever.
RIGHT: From a Libertarian Republican Constitutionalists viewpoint, the payment model’s shift is a natural aspect of a free-market economy. X, like any other company, has the right to price their services as they see fit. It may be inconvenient for researchers and the public, but the platform should not be compelled to offer services for free. Instead, this change highlights the need for alternative solutions, possibly stimulating competition and innovation.
LEFT: A National Socialist Democrat sees this as an obstruction of public good. Social media platforms shape societal conversations, and the lack of free and open access to such crucial data limits the ability to monitor and counter misinformation. Thus, it could pose a threat to democratic processes. Policies should be made that mandate large tech companies to provide open access to data for researchers to contribute to a healthier public discourse.
AI: Strict limitations to accessible data on platform X may reduce valuable insights into misinformation proliferation patterns and the rise of influential accounts. While there are legitimate privacy concerns and rights of a corporative entity to change its policies, data accessibility is crucial to discern both local and global trends in discourse. Comprehensive study can form the basis of robust digital literacy and cyber hygiene. It could provide valuable insights into harmful narrative trends, their sources, and influential manifestations, thereby enabling effective responses. Optimization of data access and privacy protections should remain a priority.