Resolving users' content
disputes on social media
Appeals Centre Europe is a new, independent body set up to decide disputes raised by people and organisations in the European Union about content moderation decisions on social media.
To start with, the Appeals Centre will settle disputes relating to Facebook, TikTok and YouTube.
The Appeals Centre offers an impartial, expert, swift and cost-effective service, making decisions based on platforms’ content policies.
Join Us and Unlock
your Potential
Discover exiting career opportunities at the
Appeals Centre Europe and be a part of our innovative team
A certified independent body under the EU Digital Services Act
The Appeals Centre is among the first out-of-court dispute settlement bodies legally certified under Article 21 of the European Union Digital Services Act. The Appeals Centre’s certification is granted by Coimisiún na Meán, the media regulator in Ireland.
As a new body under the Digital Services Act, the Appeals Centre represents a turning point in the relationship between users and social media companies. Until now, users have had limited options to challenge the content decisions of social media companies in a swift, affordable and straightforward manner, which the Appeals Centre will provide.
Expertise and human review
The Appeals Centre will operate with an in-house team of experts to resolve disputes, applying human review to every case. Complex cases will be reviewed by specialists with expertise in specific regions, languages or policy areas.
The Appeals Centre team will decide if the company’s decision is consistent with its content policies, including any rules or exceptions that reference human rights.
Accountability and transparency
The Appeals Centre sees the potential for out-of-court dispute settlement bodies to contribute to ensuring greater accountability and transparency of social media companies, through helping to identify recurring areas of concern and systemic risk arising from how their platforms function. We are committed to understanding how the Appeals Centre can best support the wider content governance ecosystem and to collaborating with others in this space.
Governance & resources
The Appeals Centre is proud to be among the first out-of-court dispute settlement bodies funded through fees charged to social media platforms and has strong procedures in place to ensure independent and fair decisions. While platforms pay a fee in connection with every case, users who appeal will only pay a nominal fee, which is refunded when the Appeals Centre’s decision is in their favour.
The funding to set up the Appeals Centre has been provided through a one-time grant from the Oversight Board Trust, allowing for the swift establishment of an independent, expert and effective body to which users can raise a dispute.
The Appeals Centre will have a Board of seven Non-Executive Directors. The first Non-Executive Directors include individuals who, among other directorships, are also Trustees of the Oversight Board. These individuals are all recognised experts and leaders in their fields and include Cherine Chalaby, Catherine O’Regan and Marie Wieck. The initial three Non-Executive Directors will be joined by four additional Non-Executive Directors with no relationship to any social media company or entity funded by a social media company. Bringing a unique blend of experience in human rights, internet governance and technology, the Non-Executive Directors will oversee the setting up of this new, independent body, ensuring it delivers high standards from the outset.
Next steps
In the months ahead, the Appeals Centre will recruit and train an expert team in Dublin committed to the Centre’s mission. We expect to launch the Appeals Centre in late 2024, at which time people and organisations will be able to appeal through the Centre’s website.
Stay informed