Vetted researchers

Vetted researchers may request certain data from providers of very large online platforms (VLOPs) and very large online search engines (VLOSEs) to carry out research that contributes to the detection, identification and understanding of systemic risks in the EU, and to assess the appropriateness, effectiveness and impact of risk mitigation measures. The Digital Services Coordinator in the provider's country of establishment is responsible for issuing data access requests to vetted researchers.

There are currently no registered providers of VLOPs and VLOSEs in Slovenia, and therefore AKOS, as the Coordinator, cannot issue data access requests to vetted researchers.

However, interested researchers may submit an application to the Digital Services Coordinator in the Member State of the research organisation with which they are affiliated, including in Slovenia. If AKOS receives an application from a Slovenian research organisation, it will, in accordance with the DSA, carry out an initial assessment of whether the required conditions are met and send the application, together with supporting documents and the initial assessment, to the Digital Services Coordinator in the country of establishment of the provider to whom the request relates.