European Body Set up to Resolve Disputes With TikTok, YouTube and Facebook

The European Union is pushing for a new body, Appeals Center Europe, that will allow social media users within the EU to appeal decisions made by Big Tech companies such as TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook regarding the removal of posts or videos. This out-of-court dispute settlement body, based in Dublin and funded by a grant from Meta, will arbitrate content moderation disputes across the EU. Users will pay a nominal fee for complaints, which will be refunded if the body rules in their favor, to prevent abuse of the system. The body will initially handle disputes from TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube users, with the possibility of adding Instagram, Threads, and Snapchat in the future. Under the EU’s Digital Services Act, tech companies must comply with decisions made by dispute resolution bodies. The Appeals Center Europe aims to balance freedom of speech with online risks, particularly to children and those with mental health issues. The body will operate independently from governments and companies to ensure fair and impartial application of platform content policies. Meta’s Oversight Board will continue to operate alongside the new body, focusing on platform accountability, transparency, and user rights.

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