TL;DR

A new EU-wide network of Out-of-court Dispute Settlement (ODS) bodies has launched, giving users a powerful new way to challenge content moderation and platform decisions without going to court. Under the Digital Services Act (DSA), users can now seek impartial reviews from certified bodies across Europe.

A New Era for Digital Rights in the EU


Online platforms make billions of decisions every year – about what content stays up, what gets removed, and how users are treated. Until now, if you disagreed with a platform’s decision, your only real recourse was to ask them to reconsider or go to court.


That’s changed. Thanks to the Digital Services Act (DSA), users in the EU now have a new right: to challenge platform decisions through an independent, human-led review process.


To support this, a coalition of certified organisations from across the EU has launched the Out-of-court Dispute Settlement Bodies Network (ODS Network).

What is the ODS Network?


The ODS Network is made up of organisations certified or applying for certification to handle disputes between users and online platforms. These bodies offer fast, fair and independent reviews – without involving lengthy and costly court proceedings.


Inaugural ODS Network members include:


These bodies are either certified by national Digital Services Coordinators or have applied for certification.

Why This Network Matters


Between January and March 2025, the four certified ODS bodies received over 4,500 complaints – proving the importance and demand of this system.


But many users still don’t know this option exists.


That’s why the ODS Network was created – to:

  • Raise awareness of users’ rights under the Digital Services Act
  • Share knowledge and best practices
  • Ensure technical standards are aligned across platforms
  • Engage with regulators and platforms to improve transparency


The goal? To build a thriving ecosystem of ODS services that works across languages, platforms, and content types.

Time for Platforms to Step Up


Despite the new legal obligation under the DSA, many platforms aren’t informing users about their right to use ODS bodies. That leaves people in the dark.


Every platform should:

  • Link clearly to this list of certified ODS bodies
  • Include ODS options in appeal processes and user help pages
  • Collaborate with ODS bodies to ensure timely, impartial reviews

How You Can Help Spread the Word


Community leaders, civil society groups, regulators, consumer advocates and the media are being called on to raise awareness. Whether through newsletters, social media, or community outreach, every effort counts in helping users understand their rights.

Want to Challenge a Platform’s Decision?


Find an ODS body and get your case reviewed – without court costs or complexity.