Internet dispute resolution.

Abstract

This thesis develops a model for the fair resolution of internet disputes. The internet has the potential to lead to international~ cross-border disputes being a powerful communications medium, that allows data exchanges in various media formats between a wide range of different users situated in distant locations. It explores the meaning of fairness for the resolution of such disputes. This thesis refers to the existing literature examining the private international law issues arising from cross-border interactions and transactions on the internet which make litigation and enforcement more costly and lengthy. For many disputes arising on the internet, alternative ways of resolving such disputes have to be found. This thesis contains a detailed exploration of the use of mediation and arbitration, using online technology. obviating the need for the parties and lawyers to meet face-to-face and leading to more efficient information processing, and thereby reducing cost and delay in dispute resolution. Binding dispute resolution and enforceability in cross-border cases are important for internet disputes and can be provided by online arbitration. Therefore, this thesis proceeds to examines in great detail the legal issues surrounding online arbitration. It looks at questions of due process in arbitration and covers the legal issues surrounding business-to-consumer arbitration comparing the European approach to that in the us. The thesis contains a detailed analysis of the Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Procedure (UDRP) and considers to what extent the dispute resolution model established by the UDRP could or should sene as a model for other types of internet disputes. The conclusion from this examination of all aspects of internet dispute resolution is a model of dispute resolution. which encourages the use of online arbitration for internet disputes but, where there exists a substantial power imbalance between the disputants (such as the traditional business-to-consumer paradigm), subjects traditional commercial arbitration to more stringent due process standards for disputes.