Meta Launches European Appeals Center for Content Moderation Disputes

Meta is establishing a new Appeals Center in Europe to adjudicate disputes regarding content on platforms such as Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok. The new center will operate in accordance with the EU Digital Services Act, which mandates that technology companies allow users to appeal account restrictions before an independent panel of experts. The center was founded with the support of Meta’s Oversight Board, which granted $15 million to fund its operations.

The European Appeals Center will address user complaints related to content moderation decisions made on Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok. It will also enable users to report posts they believe violate platform policies but have not been removed. While the center’s decisions will be advisory, they have the potential to influence actions taken by regulators and civil organizations.

The creation of the center represents an expansion of the Oversight Board’s activities, which, since 2020, has been handling contentious moderation cases on Meta’s platforms. Although the Board has faced criticism for its slow pace, last year it pledged to accelerate case reviews and resolved over 50 decisions in 2023.

EU-based users will be able to file an appeal with the Center for a fee of €5, which will be refunded if their appeal is successful. Technology companies will pay the Center at least €90 for each case. The Center’s funding will come from the initial grant, with future financing sourced from platform fees.

The European Appeals Center will employ around two dozen staff members with expertise in human rights and technology policy. Although its decisions are non-binding, the Center’s work will contribute to greater transparency and accountability within technology companies.