We review cases where platforms have removed, blocked, or otherwise moderated specific content. We also handle cases where platforms have decided not to remove reported content or accounts that are allegedly unlawful.
Our decision is an independent, legally justified evaluation of whether the platform’s action or inaction following a report was justified.
You will receive a detailed, legally justified decision. While the decision is not immediately binding, platforms are required to thoroughly assess whether there are valid reasons against implementing it. If platforms fail to meet this obligation, supervisory measures can be taken against them.
No, our service is free for you. The costs are carried by the platform as stipulated in the Digital Services Act (DSA).
You receive a detailed, legally reasoned decision. Although not directly binding, platforms are obligated to thoroughly evaluate its implementation. In most cases, platforms implement the decisions of User Rights. In addition, you gain a thorough legal evaluation to help plan your next steps — whether addressing the platform, pursuing legal action, or filing a complaint with a regulatory authority.
Questions about the Process
The process consists of three steps:
You submit your case using our online form.
Our legal experts review the documents and request additional information if necessary.
After a thorough review, you will receive our decision.
We keep you updated throughout the entire process via email and through our secure data platform.
If a platform fails to implement our decision, we report this regularly to the relevant regulatory authority, which can investigate whether the platform has violated its obligation to cooperate.
Questions about the DSA
The Digital Services Act is an EU regulation that establishes clear rules for online platforms. Through the DSA, the European Union aims to make the digital space safer and more transparent. User Rights’ processes allow individuals and civil society organizations to receive fair and understandable decisions regarding the moderation of content on social media platforms.
One provision of the Digital Services Act is access to out-of-court dispute resolution mechanisms. Article 21 of the DSA requires online platforms to cooperate with independent dispute resolution bodies like User Rights, providing users with the opportunity for free dispute resolution. The regulation establishes clear rules and responsibilities for online platforms to ensure the protection of fundamental rights and to effectively combat illegal content.
Our decisions are not binding. However, platforms are required to cooperate with us and thoroughly assess whether there are valid reasons against implementing the decision.
Questions about User Rights
User Rights was founded by Prof. Dr. Stephan Breidenbach, Niklas Eder, and Raphael Kneer. Learn more about the founders here: About Us
We are independent and funded through fees paid by online platforms. We are allowed to charge the platforms reasonable costs for the procedures, which are capped and continuously monitored by the responsible authority.
Your data is processed in compliance with GDPR and used exclusively for the procedure. We employ secure, encrypted technologies to protect your information.
