Merge pull request #12 from beckn/release-v0.1.1

Release v0.1.1

README.md

@@ -2,16 +2,18 @@
 
 ## Introduction
 
-**Online Dispute Resolution (ODR)** is a mechanism to resolve disputes through the use of electronic communication technology. It often uses alternative dispute resolution (ADR) tools such as mediation, arbitration and negotiation. This mechanism not only provides citizens access to efficient and effective dispute resolution mechanisms, it also supports the formal court system by reducing the number of disputes that go to court, in turn helping address pendency in courts.
+**Online Dispute Resolution (ODR)** is a mechanism to resolve disputes through the use of electronic communication technology. It often uses alternative dispute resolution (ADR) tools such as mediation, conciliation and arbitration. This mechanism not only provides citizens access to efficient and effective dispute resolution mechanisms, it also supports the formal court system by reducing the number of disputes that go to court, in turn helping address pendency in courts.
 
-ODR is a wide field. The application of ODR is not limited to disputes arising out of business to consumer (B2C) online transactions, although it seems to be particularly apt for these disputes, since it is logical to use the same medium (the internet) for the resolution of e-commerce disputes when parties are frequently located far from one another. It is believed that efficient mechanisms to resolve online disputes will impact in the development of e-commerce. However, it may be applied to a range of disputes; from interpersonal disputes including consumer to consumer disputes (C2C) or marital separation; to court disputes and even interstate conflicts.  
+ODR is a wide field. It can be applied across sectors, dispute types, and jurisdictions for speedier, affordable, accessible dispute resolution. Application of ODR can range from dispute categories such as financial, matrimonial, property, civil disputes to disputes involving varied parties such as consumers/individuals and businesses/organizations. Disputes pending in formal institutions may also be transferred to ODR and ODR can also apply for interstate, or interjurisdictional disputes.
+
+The **Dispute Resolution Protocol Specification** (a.k.a DRoP) is an adaptation of [beckn protocol](https://github.com/beckn/protocol-specifications) that aims to unify various online dispute resolution services through an interoperable API specification. Implementing DRoP will enable ecosystems/institutions seeking dispute resolution to easily discover and engage with multiple ODR service providers.
 
-The **Dispute Resolution Protocol Specification** (a.k.a DRoP) is an adaptation of [beckn protocol](https://github.com/beckn/protocol-specifications) that aims to unify various online dispute resolution services through an interoperable API specification.
 
 ## Release History
 
 | Version | Release Date         | Adaptation to Core Spec Version | Authors      |
 | :-----: | -------------------- | ------------------------------- | ------------ |
+|  0.1.1  | 26th September, 2023 | 1.1.0                           | Ravi Prakash |
 |  0.1.0  | 24th September, 2023 | 1.1.0                           | Ravi Prakash |
 
 ## Working Group Members
@@ -22,9 +24,9 @@ The **Dispute Resolution Protocol Specification** (a.k.a DRoP) is an adaptation
 | Pramod Varma                | Maintainer, Reviewer                     | @pramodkvarma      |
 | Keerthana Medarametla       | Subject Matter Expert                    | @kee1912           |
 | Smrithi Sundararajan        | Subject Matter Expert                    | @simi-sundararajan |
-| Aishwarya Dixit             | Subject Matter Expert                    |                    |
-| Dr. Sravani Reddy Kuncharam | Subject Matter Expert                    |                    |
-| Rajeesh Menon               | Volunteer, Global Ecosystem Enablement   |                    |
+| Aishwarya Dixit             | Subject Matter Expert                    |        -           |
+| Dr. Sravani Reddy Kuncharam | Subject Matter Expert                    |        -           |
+| Rajeesh Menon               | Volunteer, Global Ecosystem Enablement   |        -           |
 
 ## Implementing the specification
 

docs/1_Introduction.md

@@ -1,55 +1,21 @@
 # Introduction
-Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) is a mechanism to resolve disputes through the use of electronic communication technology. It often uses alternative dispute resolution (ADR) tools such as mediation, arbitration and negotiation. This mechanism not only provides citizens access to efficient and effective dispute resolution mechanisms, it also supports the formal court system by reducing the number of disputes that go to court, in turn helping address pendency in courts.
+Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) is a mechanism to resolve disputes through the use of electronic communication technology. It often uses alternative dispute resolution (ADR) tools such as mediation, conciliation and arbitration. This mechanism not only provides citizens access to efficient and effective dispute resolution mechanisms, it also supports the formal court system by reducing the number of disputes that go to court, in turn helping address pendency in courts.
 
 ## The Online Dispute Resolution Ecosystem
 
-ODR is a wide field. The application of ODR is not limited to disputes arising out of business to consumer (B2C) online transactions, although it seems to be particularly apt for these disputes, since it is logical to use the same medium (the internet) for the resolution of e-commerce disputes when parties are frequently located far from one another. It is believed that efficient mechanisms to resolve online disputes will impact in the development of e-commerce. However, it may be applied to a range of disputes; from interpersonal disputes including consumer to consumer disputes (C2C) or marital separation; to court disputes and even interstate conflicts.
+ODR is a wide field. It can be applied across sectors, dispute types, and jurisdictions for speedier, affordable, accessible dispute resolution. Application of ODR can range from dispute categories such as financial, matrimonial, property, civil disputes to disputes involving varied parties such as consumers/individuals and businesses/organizations. Disputes pending in formal institutions may also be transferred to ODR and ODR can also apply for interstate, or interjurisdictional disputes. 
 
-### Challenges in the ODR Ecosystem
+### Opportunities for the ODR Ecosystem
 
-Recognizing the growth of ODR, multiple ecosystems and institutions are looking to integrate with multiple ODR service providers. Each of these ecosystems are required to connect with each ODR service provider separately & each ODR service provider is required to connect with the institutions separately. Moreover, consumers/parties to a dispute aren’t familiar with ODR/ODR opportunities they have. Some of the challenges are listed below:
+Recognizing the growth of ODR, multiple ecosystems and institutions are looking to integrate with multiple ODR service providers. Each of these ecosystems are required to connect with each ODR service provider separately & each ODR service provider is required to connect with the institutions separately. Moreover, consumers/parties to a dispute aren’t familiar with ODR/ODR service providers. Some of the opportunities for growth of ODR are listed below: 
 
-The online dispute resolution (ODR) ecosystem faces several challenges as it seeks to resolve conflicts and disputes through digital platforms. Here are some of the key challenges faced by ODR:
+- **Increased discoverability of ODR Service Providers**: While institutions and ecosystems adoption of ODR is growing exponentially, end individuals aren’t familiar with ODR. Also, today an end individual can discover an ODR service provider only if both of them are on the same platform, this is called "Coincidence of Presence". ODR Service providers are naturally discoverable by implementing the protocol as any end user-facing application can access them. That means an individual does not have to specifically sign-up to an ODR Service Provider. They can remain on the application of their choice and discover ODR service providers based on a unified/common language.
+- **Increased choice for ODR service users**: Users can send personalized search queries to receive customized offerings, including languages, services, and cost, from ODR service providers. This also enables multiple ODR service providers to cater to the diverse needs of individuals.
+- **Lower costs of doing business**: End user platforms can focus on providing the best experience for their users, and provider platforms can focus on better services without having to worry about CAC.
+- **Non-linear innovation**: ODR institutions can provide value-added services over and above their current offerings by connecting to other downstream networks.
+- **Secure and consent based data exchange**: Currently, parties to a dispute are required to manually upload documents multiple times or parties to a dispute lose time when documents need to be transferred from one platform or place to another. This allows parties to a dispute to transfer documents as needed, when necessary. Privacy and data security is part of the Protocol design.
+- **Enhanced trust in transactions & User Experience**: Parties to a dispute aren’t always able to track their disputes or keep a digital record of online transactions, particularly when a business or enterprise is handling 100s of disputes. The protocol enables trust in transactions, allows parties to track status & updates of a dispute, and prioritizes user experience in discovering a provider and initiating a dispute.
 
-#### **Accessibility and Digital Divide:**
-- **Limited Access:** Individuals without access to the internet or digital devices may find it difficult to participate in ODR processes.
-- **Digital Literacy:** Lack of digital literacy and familiarity with technology can hinder the effective use of ODR platforms, especially among older populations.
-
-#### **Security and Privacy Concerns:**
-- **Data Breaches:** The risk of data breaches and unauthorized access to sensitive information is a significant concern.
-- **Confidentiality:** Maintaining the confidentiality of the dispute details and the involved parties is challenging, given the online nature of the process.
-
-#### **Legal and Regulatory Framework:**
-- **Legal Recognition:** ODR outcomes may not be legally binding or recognized in all jurisdictions, affecting their enforceability.
-- **Regulatory Compliance:** ODR platforms need to comply with various laws and regulations, which can be complex and vary across jurisdictions.
-
-#### **Quality and Fairness:**
-- **Quality of Resolution:** The quality of resolutions achieved through ODR may be perceived as inferior compared to traditional dispute resolution methods.
-- **Bias and Fairness:** There are concerns about the potential for bias in ODR processes, especially when automated decision-making tools are used.
-
-#### **User Experience and Satisfaction:**
-- **User Interface:** Poorly designed user interfaces can create barriers to effective communication and resolution.
-- **Satisfaction Levels:** Parties may be dissatisfied with the process or outcome, especially if they feel they have not been heard or understood.
-
-#### **Cost and Resource Allocation:**
-- **Cost Efficiency:** While ODR is generally cost-effective, the development and maintenance of ODR platforms can be resource-intensive.
-- **Resource Allocation:** Allocating sufficient resources, including skilled mediators and arbitrators, is crucial for the success of ODR platforms.
-
-#### **Cultural and Linguistic Barriers:**
-- **Cultural Differences:** Cultural variations in communication styles and dispute resolution preferences can impact the effectiveness of ODR.
-- **Language Barriers:** The lack of multilingual support can exclude individuals who are not proficient in the primary language of the ODR platform.
-
-#### **Trust and Credibility:**
-- **Trust in the System:** Building trust in online platforms and ensuring credibility is challenging, especially among users unfamiliar with ODR.
-- **Reputation Management:** Negative experiences and reviews can harm the reputation of ODR platforms, affecting their acceptance and usage.
-
-#### **Complexity of Disputes:**
-- **Nature of Disputes:** Some disputes may be too complex or sensitive to be resolved online and may require face-to-face interactions.
-- **Limitations of Technology:** Current technology may not be able to fully replicate the nuances of in-person communication and negotiation.
-
-#### **Integration with Traditional Systems:**
-- **Integration Issues:** Integrating ODR with existing legal and dispute resolution systems can be challenging due to differences in processes and requirements.
-- **Resistance to Change:** Traditional institutions may resist the adoption of ODR due to a lack of understanding or fear of becoming obsolete.
 
 ## The DRoP Specification
 
@@ -59,3 +25,7 @@ By virtue of a minimum viable standardized process/steps of communication, it ea
 
 ### Benefits
 This protocol will have multifold benefits across the spectrum of stakeholders. End-users will benefit from easy discovery and access to alternate dispute resolution mechanisms, end-to-end tracking, and increased visibility. ODR service providers will see an increased adoption of ODR as a method for dispute resolution. They will also be able to work with multiple ecosystems and platforms using the ODR protocol. Instead of managing multiple unique integrations, they can focus more on building their value-added services and meeting ecosystem standards, rather than on navigating unique integrations. Additionally, this process will also supplement the efforts by the court system to streamline dispute resolution process and improve the dispute resolution experience.
+
+## Authors
+- Keerthana Medarametla, Agami
+- Ravi Prakash, FIDE