Independent Gather

Infrastructure that enables independent, public-interest research on how platforms shape society.

Independent Gather is a tool for data collection that makes it easy for people to share with researchers their real online experiences (e.g., the content they are being recommended or the ads they are being shown), via a browser extension or mobile app.

The tool is designed to collect this data independently of platforms, without relying on what they choose to share. This approach is complementary to other forms of data access including official platform APIs, donations of personal data exported under the GDPR, and data access requests under Article 40 of the EU Digital Services Act.

How it works#

Research flow#

1. Researchers design a study
   The project begins with a defined research question, consent boundaries, and a clear collection plan.
2. Participants are recruited via panel or open call
   Researchers can bring in participants through existing panels or open recruitment, depending on the study.
3. Participants sign up to Independent Gather and download the app
   People join the study through a guided flow that explains the process before any donation happens.
4. Participants log in and donate their platform data through the app
   Participants contribute records of their real platform experience directly.
5. Participants can complete an optional survey
   Researchers can pair donated behavioural data with self-reported context when the study calls for it.
6. Participants are compensated on completion
   Once the study requirements are complete, participants receive the compensation defined by the researchers.
7. Researchers use the donated data ethically for the study period, then it is deleted
   Use is limited to the approved study window, with deletion built into the end of the research lifecycle.

What gets observed#

• Feeds: Posts, videos, and stories served by the algorithm
• Ads: Sponsored content and targeting shown to users
• Engagement: Likes, shares, and comments as behavioural signals
• Survey: Optional self-reported context layered on top

Supported platforms#

Independent Gather currently supports the following platforms, as well as custom browser-based experiences where the research question extends beyond a single named platform.

• X
• Facebook
• TikTok
• Instagram
• YouTube

Work with us#

We're building Independent Gather to be available to researchers committed to strict ethical guidelines. Get in touch with us to join our waitlist, and we'll reach out to discuss how Independent Gather can support your research.

Get in touch with us via email including your research institution / affiliation and a brief description of your research interest.

independentgather@howtobuildup.org

Featured projects#

About us#

Independent Gather is a collaboration between Build Up, peacebuilding organisation developing open-source technology for conflict-affected settings, and datavaluepeople, a collective of data professionals building technology for social good.

Together, we build data collection infrastructure for public-interest research into how digital platforms shape society.