Dutch organizations demand that Meta stop blocking LGBTQIA+ accounts

Bits of Freedom, COC Nederland, and several other organizations sent a joint letter to Meta on Wednesday demanding that the company’s social media platforms stop blocking accounts, especially from the LGBTQIA+ community. “We demand that Meta stop blocking accounts without a valid reason and that there be an option to challenge such decisions. By failing to do so, Meta is violating the law,” privacy organization Bits of Freedom said.

Over the past few months, Meta has blocked and removed countless Instagram accounts, including many belonging to LGBTQIA+ organizations and persons. Many accounts disappeared without any explanation, and those who did get a reason were told that they had violated “human exploitation” or “account integrity” rules, but without specifying the offending content.

“In many cases, the removal of a single account led to the blocking of related or personal accounts belonging to the same administrator, again without a genuine explanation of the reason behind it. Moreover, users were not given an effective opportunity to dispute or challenge these decisions. This is contrary to the law,” Bits of Freedom said.

The organizations demand that Meta stop blocking accounts unless there is “a very good reason” and a human has determined that content is “clearly illegal.” Meta must also explain to the user why their account is blocked, which rule was violated, and whether a human or an algorithm made the decision. Users must also be able to object to and fight the blocking of their account, and Meta must designate a contact person for direct communication, not handle everything through automated systems.

All these demands are requirements in the European Digital Services Act (DSA), Bits of Freedom pointed out. “The fact that this constitutes a violation of the DSA is not an isolated incident. As early as the end of 2025, LGBTQIA+ accounts were blocked without good reason or the possibility of appeal,” Bits of Freedom said.

The issue also extends beyond the LGBTQIA+ community, the privacy organization added. “We also see that the reach of posts about the genocide in Gaza is being unfairly restricted.”

The letter was signed by Bits of Freedom, BUTT Magazine, Repro Uncensored, Club Church, The Queer Agenda, COC Nederland, Tillatec, Sauna Nieuwezijds, Free Willie Amsterdam, Striptopia, and No Limits! Art Castle.