Research Information System
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LAW & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, vol.33, no.eaaf017, pp.1-19, 2025 (Scopus)
As society and the economy become increasingly digital, the range of disputes expands—from e-commerce issues to conflicts on social media platforms or crypto transactions—challenging traditional dispute resolution. Legislators have responded by making online dispute resolution (ODR) mandatory for certain digital platforms, following the premise that a robust dispute resolution mechanism is crucial for maintaining trust in any market. Blockchain, often marketed as a trust-enhancing tool, shifts reliance from intermediaries to technology itself. The meaning and components of trust can differ in the context in which they are used. This article explores various interpretations of ‘trust’ within the context of blockchain-based ODR systems. The article states that while blockchain may enhance trust in dispute resolution, integrating procedural fairness into the design remains essential, as trust in technology alone is insufficient. By embedding procedural guidelines, blockchain-based ODR mechanisms can achieve the legitimacy and fairness needed for their continued adoption.