The Alternative Conflict Resolution Mechanisms (MASC) are a series of processes and techniques that seek to resolve disputes as a means for the disagreeing parties to reach an agreement to avoid resolving it through conventional litigation, although they do not seek to replace conventional justice processes.[1]​ These mechanisms can be carried out with the intervention of a third party and in some countries, the ADRs have been adopted within the judicial system itself as a method of resolution in an extrajudicial manner.[2][1]​.

The Alternative Conflict Resolution Mechanisms with their acronym MASC, encompass a set of human conflict resolution procedures, in a self-composing, heterocompositive or hybrid manner, without using force and executed outside the scope of the judicial process, that is, with the MASC, non-jurisdictional and intelligent solutions are created. They are characterized by being non-confrontational, cooperative, self-management and citizen protagonism, being incorporated in the last decade of the last century, in the justice systems, in almost all of Latin America.[3]​.

Mexico

The Alternative Conflict Resolution Mechanisms were incorporated in 2008 in the Political Constitution of the United Mexican States in articles 17, fourth paragraph, and 18, sixth paragraph.[1]​.

European Union

The European Union has established a harmonized legal framework for consumer alternative dispute resolution (ADR) through Directive 2013/11/EU. This directive obliges Member States to ensure that consumers can access out-of-court resolution procedures for contractual disputes with companies. It is complemented by Regulation (EU) No 524/2013, which created the Online Dispute Resolution platform (ODR)") to facilitate cross-border electronic commerce.

In certain regulated sectors, participation in ADR procedures is mandatory. For example, according to Directive 5 of 2018 of the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), licensed gaming operators in Malta must cooperate with certified ADR entities to resolve disputes with consumers. One of these entities, Madre, is a certified ADR body that operates under this regime. It is an initiative of the Rgoal group and has been active in resolving disputes in digital services and online entertainment across the EU.[4]​.