Facebook Researcher API: Access for Academic Studies

Facebook to Release New API for Research Access

Facebook has announced plans to introduce a new API (Application Programming Interface) tailored for use by researchers. This announcement was made during Facebook’s F8 developer conference and represents a response to concerns stemming from platform alterations implemented in 2018.

Addressing Concerns Following the Cambridge Analytica Scandal

The 2018 changes were a direct result of the Cambridge Analytica data scandal, which prompted a comprehensive re-evaluation of developer access to user information. This event highlighted vulnerabilities in data security and privacy.

Over the subsequent three years, Facebook has systematically discontinued thousands of APIs. This action was undertaken to mitigate the potential for future data exploitation and security breaches.

Strengthening Developer Agreements

Alongside API deprecation, Facebook also revised its agreements with developers. The aim was to confirm their adherence to the company’s core principles, as stated by Konstantinos Papamiltiadis, VP of platform partnerships, during the conference’s keynote.

Impact on Academic Research

Facebook acknowledged that these modifications inadvertently affected the academic research community. Previously, researchers enjoyed broader access to Facebook data for their studies.

Introducing the Researcher API

To rectify this situation, Facebook is preparing to launch a Researcher API. This new tool will enable researchers to once more analyze Facebook data, with a focus on understanding the platform’s societal impact, according to Papamiltiadis.

“Our priority was to ensure a responsible approach, developing optimal tools for researchers while safeguarding user data and maintaining robust security,” he explained.

API Features and Access

The Researcher API will provide real-time access to publicly available data from Pages, Groups, Events, and posts within the U.S., all within a privacy-preserving framework.

Specific details regarding researcher vetting procedures and potential data access fees remain undisclosed at this time.

Availability

Facebook anticipates making the API available to the academic community later in the current year.

• API: Application Programming Interface
• Cambridge Analytica: A political consulting firm involved in a data scandal.