ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the efficiency and sufficiency of the existing regulatory mechanisms and the need for developing a European legal framework in the field of Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) in order to promote the use of fair and effective ODR systems. It seems obvious that there is a need to regulate consumer ODR, either through the use of government regulation or industry self-regulation. The 1996 Action Plan on consumer access to justice and the settlement of consumer disputes in the internal market stated the intention to establish minimum criteria applicable to the handling of cross-border disputes and the networking of out of court procedures. Currently, self-regulation and government intervention have different weights, depending on the jurisdiction. With regard to the accreditation of ODR providers, consumers need to be informed when entering into a dispute about which ODR provider will be more suitable for resolving their disputes.
