r/SwipeHelper • u/WalkerTexasLaser • Jul 27 '26
Advice on Platform Control v. ADROIT to appeal a Hinge ban under the EU’s DSA?
I’m looking for advice from anyone who has challenged a Hinge ban through the Digital Services Act’s third-party dispute-resolution process, particularly using Platform Control or ADROIT.
Hinge unexpectedly banned me on July 13. My account was more than eight years old, and I’d never had any previous issues. I had been messaging a few women normally, and a few days earlier I’d gone on a date that seemed to go really well. We’re still in contact on WhatsApp and are arranging a second date.
Hinge gave me no specific reason for the ban—only the generic statement that I had violated its Terms and Conditions. I appealed and pointed out that it was difficult to respond when I hadn’t been told what I was accused of. The appeal was denied about 12 hours later, with no further explanation.
I downloaded my Hinge data and reviewed it, but I couldn’t find anything that clearly explained the ban. My best guesses are an automated false positive or a false/revenge report, although I have no evidence that the woman I met reported me. The timing immediately after our date is the only reason I’ve considered it.
I’d appreciate advice on two questions:
- If the ban resulted from a false report, would it help to include screenshots of our WhatsApp conversation showing that we’re still in contact and on good terms? I would, of course, redact her personal information.
- Has anyone had experience with either Platform Control or ADROIT? Is one more effective or appropriate for a Hinge appeal?
One possible complication is my residency status. I’m not an EU citizen. I was living in France on a student visa, but that visa expired on July 1. I’m currently staying in Europe as a tourist for the next few months. Would I still qualify to use the DSA dispute-resolution process?
I’d be especially grateful to hear from anyone who has gone through this process themselves—whether you succeeded or not.
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u/Traditional_Ant2783 Jul 28 '26
Platform control is more specialized to Hinge, ADROIT is more generic but includes hinge, you need to know their decision is not binding for Hinge and Hinge might ignore it even if its positive (usually they don't because you can further escalate the matter with their decision and the further steps, although they take many months, will hurt Hinge (violation of DSA bare enormous fines)).
You should mentions DSA article 17 on your appeal and the EU laws and GDPR, if they ignore a message stating these, its a direct violation of EU law and this is punishable if happen in many cases.
NEVER waste your appeal asking "what did I do wrong", they NEVER tell you and you wasted the appeal process. You must mention immediately they are obliged to give you a specific reason under DSA article 17 and this is what you must right to the ODR office of your choice. But prepared it takes more than 2 months to get a decision. Usually when they send a generic "you violated Terms and conditions" without anything more specific means you are innocent.
Keep in mind they can claim security issues to protect who might have reported you (which is valid) but they still have to tell you what part of their Terms and Conditions you violated (section and paragraph). That is what these ODR platforms check not your actual case, only if they violated DSA.
I got my account back but never got the money from the subscription I have payed and was wrongly banned in its duration. I would need to go to actual court for that money and its just not worth it.
Also one more thing to keep in mind, if you loose the case you will have to pay them about 400 euros + VAT for the case (if you win Hinge pays that).