What is Grievance Appellate Committee (GAC) The GAC was established under the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, as part of the Government of India’s commitment to creating a safe, trusted, and accountable internet. Operational since January 2023, the GAC provides an online dispute resolution mechanism for users aggrieved by decisions of intermediaries' Grievance Officers. GAC functions as a regulatory body overseeing the resolution of appeals related to social media platforms, including but not limited to Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc. Presently, three GACs have been constituted, each comprising a chairperson and two whole-time members responsible for reviewing and adjudicating grievances, ensuring fair, transparent, and effective resolution of appeals. Scope of grievances addressed by GAC The Grievance Appellate Committee (GAC) deals with the appeals of users (Digital Nagriks) aggrieved by decisions of Grievance Officers of social media intermediaries and other intermediaries on complaints of users or victims against violation of the rules and any other matters pertaining to the computer resources made available by the intermediary. Note : GAC does not handle financial fraud or cybercrime cases. Cases/Matters relating to financial fraud or cybercrime, may please be reported on cybercrime helpline number “1930” or at https://www.cybercrime.gov.in/FAQ on GAC website “https://gac.gov.in/CMSData/FAQs” be referred before filing appeal, for any assistance. Who can file a grievance Any person aggrieved by a decision of the Grievance Officer may prefer an appeal to GAC within 30 days of receipt of communication from the Grievance Officer. Brief about the Rights of Users of IT Intermediaries How to file an appeal The GAC is an online dispute resolution mechanism. The entire appeal process, from filing to decision, is in digital mode. Visit https://gac.gov.in/ to file an online appeal. Users can also track status and receive timely updates on their grievances. Source : GAC portal Related resources Rules related to GAC FAQs on GAC Grievance Officers of Significant Social Media Intermediaries (SSMIs)