UK committee plans voluntary AI code for digital justice services
The UK’s Online Procedure Rule Committee is developing a voluntary code of practice to guide the use of technology and artificial intelligence in digital justice services, with a focus on inclusion, accessibility and accountability.
The UK’s Online Procedure Rule Committee (OPRC) is preparing a voluntary Code of Practice aimed at establishing standards for the use of technology, data and AI in online justice and dispute-resolution services.
The proposed framework will apply to organisations providing digital justice services, including platforms that support dispute resolution before cases reach court. While the code will not be legally binding, the committee intends it to create shared expectations for providers and promote responsible approaches to digital justice.
The OPRC said the code will focus on issues including accessibility, inclusion, proportionality and accountability. It is expected to address how services can better support vulnerable users, enable smoother movement between different digital systems and contribute to earlier and fairer resolution of disputes.
The committee will consult users, service providers and other stakeholders during the development process. A draft and publication timeline have not yet been announced. The code will accompany the committee’s formal response to its 2025 consultation on a Pre-Action Model and Inclusion Framework.
Separately, the committee’s statutory rules have been presented to Parliament through The Online Procedure (Rules and Practice Directions) Rules 2026. The rules are scheduled to take effect on 7 September 2026, with initial procedural rules for possession proceedings expected later in the year.
