The American Arbitration Association (AAA) has aunched a Web3 Panel of specialist arbitrators to resolve disputes involving blockchain, smart contracts, digital assets, tokenisation, decentralised systems, agentic commerce and autonomous transactions. The panel will address disputes concerning contract formation and interpretation, governance, asset control, cybersecurity, transaction records and cross-border enforcement. The AAA noted that the panel responds to the increasing integration of blockchain, digital assets and autonomous systems into commercial activity and will continue to expand as new technologies, business models and dispute types emerge. The initiative forms part of the AAA’s broader dispute resolution framework for emerging technologies and artificial intelligence-enabled commerce.

The American Arbitration Association (AAA) has partnered with Integra Ledger to launch a blockchain-powered document registration and authentication service. The service is intended to allow individuals and organisations worldwide to register and authenticate single or bulk documents, generating tamper-proof, time- and date-stamped digital proofs while preserving the privacy and control of the originals. Users can register documents throughout a contract’s lifecycle, ensuring authenticity for future disputes, and creating permanent records that remain valid even if documents are subsequently shared or transferred. The service offers free registration for up to 100 documents initially, with tiered subscription options available for occasional or enterprise-level use. The initiative aims to address concerns about AI-generated document forgeries in legal proceedings by providing verifiable authentication through blockchain technology.

The American Arbitration Association (AAA) and the National Construction Dispute Resolution Committee have published new practice guidelines for managing electronic discovery in construction arbitrations. The guidelines aim to address industry concerns about e-discovery costs and scope. The document outlines protocols for early-stage planning, proportional discovery processes and technology usage. While non-mandatory, the guidelines intend to help arbitrators and parties determine appropriate e-discovery scope for individual cases.

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The American Arbitration Association (AAA) has announced its updated Mass Arbitration Supplementary Rules and Fee Schedules, which are designed to provide parties with a faster and more affordable method of resolving mass disputes. Benefits of the updates include a more streamlined process, early resolution opportunities, reduced friction, cost predictability, access to a skilled AAA global mediator and process efficiency.

The American Arbitration Association (AAA) has announced that the ‘Construction Industry Arbitration Rules and Mediation Procedures’ have been updated, with revisions being effective on 1 March 2024. The AAA has noted key updates, which include embracing modern technologies, procedural efficiency, enhanced arbitrator authority, a focus on confidentiality, expanded fast track procedures and adjustments for larger and more complex disputes.

The American Arbitration Association (AAA) has announced comprehensive updates to its Consumer and Employment/Workplace Arbitration Rules. The revised rules establish virtual hearings as the default format, introduce new information exchange protocols and expand employment rules to cover independent contractors. The changes follow public consultation and aim to modernise dispute resolution processes. Key updates include clearer case administration standards, enhanced arbitrator authority for preliminary issues and integration of Consumer Mediation Procedures launched on 1 April 2025.

The American Arbitration Association‐International Centre for Dispute Resolution (AAA‐ICDR) Institute has published its 2024 report outlining its initiatives and achievements. Through its AAAiLab initiative, the Institute has advanced the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in dispute resolution and pursued acquisitions to bolster its Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) offerings while uniting educational partnerships and enhancing the impact of dispute resolution. Additionally, the Institute has launched a comprehensive five‐year strategic plan aimed at expanding access to alternative dispute resolution, driving innovation, improving client services and fostering sustainable growth. Notable achievements include: the handling of 473,543 new filings in the No‐fault Insurance Arbitration Program, the resolution of $1.1bn in claims and reductions in resolution times, alongside a marked increase in disputes within the business-to-business, financial services, healthcare, technology and energy sectors.

The American Arbitration Association (AAA) together with the International Centre for Dispute Resolution (ICDR) has announced the launch of a new generative artificial intelligence (GenAI)-powered panelist selection tool, named AAAi panelist search. The case managers will use this tool in addition to their standard roster searches and it will aim to help them to create a list of arbitrators or mediators that is customised to the particulars of each case. Its key feature is to broaden and deepen the search across the AAAI-CDR roster for potential candidates.

The American Arbitration Association–International Centre for Dispute Resolution (AAA-ICDR) has announced the establishment of a new international arbitration hub in Ireland. The initiative will create ICDR Ireland, based in Dublin, to administer international commercial arbitration matters across Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA), supported by an advisory board and a panel of Irish arbitrators. AAA-ICDR says the Irish Government welcomes the development, noting its role in strengthening Ireland’s position as a gateway for US companies operating across EMEA and in supporting foreign investment. It also confirms that Irish barrister Cian P. Kelly is appointed to its council and will chair the ICDR Ireland Advisory Board.

The American Arbitration Association-International Centre for Dispute Resolution (AAA-ICDR) has partnered with legal tech company Clearbrief to integrate AI-powered writing tools into its dispute resolution services. Following a successful six-month pilot programme, the AAA-ICDR will provide Clearbrief's platform to its 5,500 arbitrators and mediators, enhancing efficiency in document summarisation, drafting and fact-checking processes. The partnership aims to set a new standard in dispute resolution by equipping panelists with generative AI tools and providing training in responsible AI use. Parties choosing AAA-ICDR services can also access the platform for an additional fee. This collaboration underscores AAA-ICDR's commitment to leveraging technology for efficient, effective, and transparent outcomes in confidential matters.

The American Arbitration Association’s International Centre for Dispute Resolution (AAA-ICDR) is inviting applications for the next ICDR Young & International (Y&I) board for the 2026–29 term, aimed at practitioners with up to 10 years’ experience. According to the ICDR, it is seeking candidates interested in how international arbitration institutions engage at a regional level and able to contribute to its global expansion. The board will work with the ICDR on programming, thought leadership and outreach, supporting initiatives across key markets. Applications should include a curriculum vitae and a statement of interest. The ICDR states that applicants are encouraged to address its role in their jurisdiction, how engagement in that market could be enhanced, their vision for the continued growth and impact of the Y&I initiative and any programmes or initiatives they would lead. Board members will serve a three-year term and may be eligible for one additional term. Applications must be submitted by 10 April 2026.