Student association KVHV-Gent considers legal action after Instagram account removal

The Catholic Flemish Student Union Gent (KVHV-Gent) is contemplating legal steps following the permanent removal of its Instagram account by Meta, the parent company of Instagram and Facebook. The Flemish nationalist group intends to challenge the decision through the European Digital Services Act's dispute resolution process.

KVHV-Gent reported that its Instagram account was deleted on August 15, a day after receiving a notification. Initially, the removal was attributed to Meta's automated review system. The student association filed an objection, but this did not result in the account's reinstatement. A subsequent review by a Meta employee confirmed the permanent deletion.

The association was informed that the account was removed for allegedly violating community guidelines concerning dangerous individuals and organizations. However, KVHV-Gent states that no specific post, statement, or activity causing this decision was communicated. The group asserts that its account did not contain any dangerous content.

Before pursuing further legal action, KVHV-Gent plans to submit its case to a competent dispute resolution body under the European Digital Services Act. The association's Facebook page remains active online.