Designing a Global Consumer Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) System for Cross-Border Small Value - High Volume Claims - OAS Developments

Abstract

Ever since the field of online dispute resolution (ODR) started in the late 1990s, there has been talk about creating a global system for resolving cross-border consumer issues. Significant progress has been made over the years with some impressive attempts, but none of the efforts have truly taken root. Recently a proposal has been made at the Organization of American States (OAS) regarding the creation of a regional ODR system to handle cross-border e-commerce disputes. As similar initiatives are taking root elsewhere in the world as well, the timing might be right for the creation of a global ODR system. This short article details the challenges confronting the design of a global consumer ODR system, and offers details about the proposed ODR process flow that is being advanced at the OAS.