ISSUES AND PROSPECTS OF USING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN THE INSTITUTION OF MEDIATION

Abstract

This article examines the opportunities, risks and legal prospects of integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into the institution of mediation. The aim of the study is to determine, on the basis of a comparative analysis, the functions that AI can lawfully perform in mediation, to identify the ethical and legal risks generated by such use, and to formulate recommendations for the Republic of Uzbekistan. The methodology combines formal-legal, comparative-legal, systemic and normative methods of analysis. The results show that AI is most valuable in supporting, administrative and analytical roles summarising documents, preparing chronologies, drafting settlement agreements and analysing positions while attempts to delegate the core mediator functions of empathy, trust-building and confidential judgment to AI raise serious concerns. The scientific novelty of the work consists in situating the 2025 IBA Guidelines on the Use of AI in Mediation, the EU AI Act and the practice of leading institutions within the framework of Uzbek mediation law and in proposing a graduated, human-centred model of AI integration. The practical significance lies in concrete proposals for disclosure rules, confidentiality safeguards and professional standards that would allow Uzbekistan to harmonise its practice with international standards while protecting party autonomy.