2025-11-18 | IT Law
What Is the OPVT?
The European Union’s Digital Services Act (DSA) entered into force in November 2022, establishing a comprehensive regulatory framework for the operation of online platforms within the EU. Its aim is to enhance transparency, ensure effective consumer protection, and strengthen action against illegal content.
The DSA allows Member States to establish alternative dispute resolution bodies enabling users to challenge decisions taken by online platforms—such as account suspensions, content removals or failures to remove harmful content—in a simple and accessible way. The full text of the DSA in Hungarian is available at the link provided in the original article.
In Hungary, the Online Platform Dispute Resolution Board (OPVT) has been designated as the body authorised to conduct such out-of-court dispute resolution. Responsibility for the implementation of the DSA in each Member State lies with the respective Digital Services Coordinator; in Hungary, this role is fulfilled by the National Media and Infocommunications Authority (NMHH), which is responsible for appointing and certifying the members of the OPVT. More detailed information about the OPVT is available on its official website.
How Does the OPVT Procedure Work?
Applications may be submitted in writing, either by post or electronically (via e-mail).
The Board examines the application and, if it does not meet legal requirements, it will request the applicant to remedy the deficiencies. If the application or the supplementary submission is compliant, the Board will primarily seek to facilitate an agreement between the parties.
If no settlement is reached, the Board may issue one of the following decisions after assessing the facts and evidence:
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Rejection of the application if it is unfounded;
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A binding decision containing an obligation, if the application is well-founded and the online platform operator concerned has previously submitted to the Board’s jurisdiction;
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A recommendation, if the application is well-founded but the online platform operator has not previously submitted to the Board’s jurisdiction.
The procedural fee payable by the applicant is HUF 3,000.
The procedure does not generally require personal attendance, although a personal hearing may be requested.
If you are involved in a dispute with an online platform provider, or if you require legal assistance in any matter related to information technology, please feel free to contact our expert colleagues. Our law firm regularly represents clients in both dispute resolution and claims management procedures.
