ONLINE DISPUTE RESOLUTION: TRANSFORMING ACCESS TO JUSTICE IN THE DIGITAL AGE

Abstract

Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) is one of the most important progressions in the current justice framework and blends Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) with electronic technologies to tackle issues effectively, economically and in excess of geographical boundaries. As commerce, government and social relationships move more and more onto online platforms, the number of disputes online has grown, which has led to a growing reliance on the courts to resolve legal issues. Whereas traditional court-based litigation has proven to be inadequate to resolve legal issues in today's digital environment, the number of disputes has increased as commerce, government and social interactions increasingly move online. ODR is an innovative solution that leverages electronic negotiation, video conferencing, Artificial Intelligence, online mediation and arbitration to enable the resolution of disputes online. This study focuses on the transformative power of ODR in the digital era and its benefits to enhance access to justice. It examines the history of ODR, the legal and technical principles and the use of ODR in commercial, consumer, family and cross-border disputes. The study also reviews opportunities and limitations of ODR considering issues of digital inequality, cybersecurity, procedural fairness, confidentiality and enforcement of online settlements. The doctrinal and qualitative research methodology has been used by analyzing the legislation, international conventions, judicial developments and literature. The results indicate the great cost saving effect of ODR, its ability to speed up the dispute resolution process, its enhanced accessibility for vulnerable parties, and its greater judicial efficiency. However, this must be done through sound legal measures, technology, digital literacy and international cooperation.