Online Dispute Resolution Scheme for E-Commerce: The ASEAN Perspectives

Abstract

In the age of information and communication technology, the Internet has become a new channel for meeting and social interaction of people all around the world, and e-commerce transactions are increasing radically worldwide. At the same time, disputes arising from such transactions are also increasing and these disputes are often difficult to deal with. Hence, policymakers and regulators, both at regional and international levels, are working to provide an appropriate redress scheme for disputes arising from e-commerce transactions, particularly those related to consumer rights and consumer protection. This paper is an investigation rather than an analytical study: it aims to examine the e-commerce-related online consumer protection in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (hereinafter: ASEAN) and introduce the online dispute resolution mechanism of ASEAN for facilitating the development of e-commerce. The paper also reviews the rules of the UNCITRAL and of the EU regarding online dispute resolution for online consumer protection to help under- stand international perspectives.