A central principle of the Digital Services Act (DSA) is that there is no single solution to safeguarding fundamental rights online. Instead, the DSA establishes a framework in which multiple mechanisms—such as individual remedies and systemic risk assessments—work in parallel. It also brings together a range of actors, including civil society organisations and certified bodies under Article 21.

In collaboration with Alliance4Europe, User Rights has examined how out-of-court dispute settlement—operated in an impartial and independent manner—can be made available for use by civil society organisations seeking to protect freedom of expression and democracy online.

This guide outlines our model and explains how certified dispute resolution, when implemented neutrally and in line with the DSA, can be accessed by civil society as part of the broader regulatory framework.

Tremau and User Rights have formed a strategic partnership to strengthen the protection of user rights under the Digital Services Act (DSA) and enhance the interaction between Tremau’s Trust & Safety platform, Nima, and User Rights’ appeal systems.  

The collaboration aims to make independent remedies more accessible and more reliable for users across the EU while supporting platforms in meeting their obligations under Article 21 DSA by reducing the operational burden of data exchange and enabling more efficient dispute resolution processes.

Nach dem DSA sol­len au­ßer­ge­richt­li­che Stel­len Strei­tig­kei­ten zwi­schen Platt­for­men wie Face­book und ihren Nut­zern schlich­ten. Die User Rights GmbH ist die erste die­ser Stel­len in Deutsch­land. Nach gut einem hal­ben Jahr zie­hen die Grün­der Ni­klas Eder und Ra­pha­el Kneer im Ge­spräch Bi­lanz.

Art. 21 DSA is a new, unusual and interesting framework to settle disputes over online content moderation decisions. It might be described as a “new animal”, introducing alternatives to existing redress mechanisms.

La aparición en Irlanda de un "centro de apelaciones" contra las plataformas pone en el foco uno de los aspectos menos conocidos del Reglamento de Servicios Digitales.

Out-Of-Court Dispute Settlement Bodies and the Struggle to Adjudicate Platforms in Europe

Complain to the Platform, the Digital Services Coordinator, or Go Straight to Court?
Those who want to challenge decisions made by an online platform have many options.

Users Can Now File Complaints with a Federal Network Agency Mediation Office for Issues with Online Networks.

If you feel unfairly treated by a social network, you can now have the decision independently reviewed. However, this is not legally binding for the platforms.

Since Monday, you can file complaints about TikTok, Instagram, and LinkedIn with the dispute resolution platform user-rights.org.

Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn Users Can Now Report Issues to a Complaint Office – Here’s How It Works

The Federal Network Agency has established a mediation office for users of TikTok, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Here, users can challenge decisions made by the platforms—for example, if their account has been suspended.