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Accessing Meta Content Library (MCL) API Data in SOMAR’s Virtual Data Enclave (VDE)

Accessing Meta Content Library (MCL) API Data in SOMAR’s Virtual Data Enclave (VDE)

 

[ 1 Overview ] [ 2 Required Steps for SOMAR VDE Access ] [ 3 Important: VDE Usage Costs Beginning March 1, 2026 ] [ 4 After You Submit the Onboarding Form ] [ 5 Questions? ]

Overview

Meta has approved your access to the Meta Content Library (MCL) API. Since you selected that you intend to access the API data within SOMAR’s Virtual Data Enclave (VDE), you must complete the required onboarding steps outlined below.

Access to MCL through Meta does not automatically grant access to SOMAR’s VDE.

Each researcher planning to access data in SOMAR’s VDE must:

  • Submit their own onboarding application

  • Agree individually to all terms

  • Complete required training independently

Access is granted at the individual level and cannot be shared.

Required Steps for SOMAR VDE Access

 

  1. Complete the VDE Onboarding Form

    • Submit the SOMAR VDE onboarding form.

    • You will need your Meta RTM Application ID. This is required to verify your approval status.

    • A form must be completed by each individual researcher who intends to access the VDE.

  2. Agree to ICPSR Terms of Use

    • The agreement is included within the onboarding application.

  3. Agree to adhere to ICPSR Data Security Plan Requirements

    • The agreement is included within the onboarding application.

  4. Complete Required VDE Training

    • Watch the required ICPSR VDE Training video (~7 minutes).

      • Please note that SOMAR’s VDE environment has some differences, but the VDE security information remains the same.

    • Complete the associated VDE Training Quiz (~1-2 minutes).

      • Although instructions in the confirmation of submission message ask researchers to email ICPSR that they completed the quiz, SOMAR does not need these messages. We will onboard researchers to the VDE after their applications have been approved and all requirements for data access in the VDE are met.

    • If you answered any questions incorrectly, please rewatch the ICPSR VDE Training video and retake the quiz.

 

Access to the VDE will not be granted until the required training in Step 4 is completed.

Important: VDE Usage Costs Beginning March 1, 2026

 

Beginning March 1, 2026, SOMAR will implement the following VDE pricing structure:

  • Existing VDE users:
    $371 per month for each month of VDE usage.

  • New VDE users:
    $1,000 one-time setup and onboarding fee plus $371 per month for each month of VDE usage.

These fees support:

  • Secure computing infrastructure

  • Data storage

  • Security monitoring

  • Ongoing staff support

Costs apply only to users accessing the Virtual Data Enclave.

After You Submit the Onboarding Form

Once you submit your onboarding application, SOMAR staff will review your materials and confirm completion of all required training. You will be notified when your access has been approved.

Following approval, SOMAR will coordinate your access to the Meta Content Library API within the VDE. The API may be used independently or alongside the Meta Content Library UI. Login credentials and connection instructions will be provided once setup is complete. Please allow several business days for this process. No additional action is required unless we contact you for further information.

Questions?

For questions about SOMAR’s Virtual Data Enclave (VDE), onboarding requirements, training, or access status, please contact:

SOMAR Support
somar-help@umich.edu

Please note: SOMAR does not manage or review Meta Content Library (MCL) applications. Questions regarding Meta application approval, scope, eligibility, or platform requirements must be directed to Meta through their official support channels.