Why Access to Data Is Key to Democratic Resilience
When it comes to protecting democracy, access to information matters.
A new report by Columbia World Projects and the Hertie School’s Centre for Digital Governance outlines practical ways to give researchers the data they need to hold digital platforms accountable. Drawing on the insights of more than 120 global experts, the report—Building Capacity for Data Access in the Public Interest—offers a roadmap for policymakers, regulators, and civil society to strengthen transparency and public trust in the digital age.
As governments grapple with misinformation, algorithmic bias, and the political power of online platforms, the report highlights a simple but essential truth: without access to meaningful data, democracy cannot be effectively safeguarded.
"Democratic societies require transparency," said Thomas Asher, Director of Research and Engagement at Columbia World Projects. "This report underscores the urgent need for researchers and public institutions to have secure, privacy preserving access to platform data — so that digital spaces serve the public interest."
From Research to Action
The report is the latest output of Digital Governance for Democratic Renewal, an ongoing collaboration convened by Columbia World Projects and The Hertie School’s Centre for Digital Governance. The initiative, supported by the Knight Foundation, brings together scholars, policymakers, and technology leaders from across the Atlantic to design governance frameworks that strengthen democracy and human rights in an increasingly data-driven world.
Among the report’s key recommendations:
- Establish standardized access frameworks that allow vetted researchers to analyze platform data safely and ethically.
- Support cross-border collaboration between universities, NGOs, and regulators.
- Invest in capacity-building to equip emerging democracies with the infrastructure to manage and interpret digital data.
The collaboration between Columbia Global and the Hertie School reflects a shared commitment to building practical solutions to complex global challenges. Through workshops held in New York, Berlin, and online, the project has generated policy recommendations for governments, regulators, and funders who play a critical role in shaping responsible data governance.
Read the full report: Building Capacity for Data Access in the Public Interest
Learn more about the initiative: Digital Governance for Democratic Renewal
