Advocating for Platform Data Access: Challenges and Opportunities for Academics Seeking Policy Change

Independent researchers’ access to digital platform data is critical for our understanding of the online world; yet recent reflections have shown that are not always readily available (Asbjørn Møller & Bechmann, 2019; Bruns, 2018; Tromble, 2021). In face power determine accessibility, academics can often feel powerless, but opportunities and openings emerge scholars shape practice. this article, we examine potential engage with non-academic audiences in debates around increased access. Adopting an autoethnographic approach, draw on personal experiences working policymakers platforms offer advice seeking advocate change. Presenting vignettes detail drawing existing scholarship how audiences, outline challenges kind engagement a view guiding other interested engaging space.