In Hungary, the Online Platform Dispute Resolution Council has been empowered as an alternative out-of-court dispute resolution forum under the European Union’s Digital Services Act (DSA) for users who find a decision by an online platform harmful,
- such as the removal of posted content
- or the blocking of a profile.
In each Member State, the Digital Service Coordinator is responsible for implementing the DSA, and in Hungary it is the National Media and Infocommunications Authority (NMHH) that is responsible for appointing and certifying members of the Council.
The aim of the body is to help users effectively resolve their disputes without having to go to court. The creation of the new redress forum is an important step in protecting users’ rights, as the single European rulebook established by the DSA will ensure that the activities of online platforms become more transparent and accountable.
A panel of the Council will normally be composed of three independent and impartial members with the appropriate expertise for the case in question.
- The procedure requires a written request to be submitted electronically or non-electronically.
- The applicant must pay a procedural fee of HUF 3,000.
- The application shall contain at least the details of the applicant, the service provider, a brief description of the conduct complained about and the applicant’s position on it, and the facts and evidence supporting the complaint.
The service provider shall state whether it submits to
- the decision of the dispute settlement body
- and the subject matter of the request
- and shall state its position.
The board may invite the parties to provide information or to make statements in order to reach a settlement or to resolve the dispute.
