The time frames set out below are intended to reflect a balance between the immediacy and ongoing nature of online publications, the need to provide a reasonable opportunity to complain and the time need for proper consideration of complaints.
All steps should be taken as soon as practicable within the time frames set out below. The Chair may extend any of the time frames only if there are exceptional circumstances.
Time frame for lodging a complaint: within 14 days of the content first being posted on the publisher’s website.
Time frame for the Chair to decide if the complaint is within OMSA’s jurisdiction and demonstrates an arguable breach, and notify the parties: within 7 days of receipt of the complaint.
Time frame for parties to provide comment and/or supplementary information to OMSA when requested: within 7 days of receiving the request, or within a further 7 days if it notifies OMSA that it requires more time to provide comment.
Time frame for OMSA to give its written decision and notify the parties: either (i) if the complaint is considered by the Chair to be outside the jurisdiction of OMSA or not suitable for OMSA consideration, within 7 days of receipt of the complaint; or (ii) if the complaint demonstrates an arguable breach and is considered by OMSA, within 10 days from receipt of the publisher’s comments or any supplementary material (or the date the comments/supplementary material were due).
Time frame for lodging appeal to OMSAB: within 10 days of receipt of the decision.