Online alternative dispute resolution mechanisms (ADR) hold the promise of providing fast, low-cost and accessible redress for a large number of small claims and low-value transactions arising from business-to-consumer (B2C) online interactions. This, which is jointly organised by the OECD, the Hague Conference on Private International Law (HCOPIL),and the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), will provide an opportunity for presenting, understanding, discussing and disseminating information on the diverse range of existing online ADR mechanisms. Participants will also explore how online ADR can help improve trust for global electronic commerce by providing appropriate and effective mechanisms for B2C disputes arising from privacy and consumer protection issues. For further information, please e-mail dsti.contact@oecd.org.

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, through its Consumer Policy Committee, has developed a set of guidelines for consumer protection in electronic commerce. The Guidelines are designed to help ensure that consumers are no less protected when shopping online than they are when they buy from their local store or order from a catalogue. By setting out the core characteristics of effective consumer protection for online business-to-consumer transactions, the Guidelines are intended to help eliminate some of the uncertainties that both consumers and businesses encounter when buying and selling online.