GuardPay
Dispute Resolution
How AI arbitration works in GuardPay and what to do if something goes wrong
When you can open a dispute
A dispute is a formal procedure for resolving conflicts between deal parties. Either side can open a dispute, but under different circumstances:
| Party | When a dispute can be opened |
|---|
| Initiator (buyer) | Only after the counterparty has declared that they fulfilled the deal conditions. If the counterparty has not yet pressed "I fulfilled the conditions" the dispute button is unavailable. |
| Counterparty (seller) | At any time while the deal is active. For example, if the initiator unreasonably delays confirmation. |
Wallet signature required
Opening a dispute is an on-chain operation. You will need to sign a transaction in your wallet (TronLink). This ensures the dispute is opened by an actual deal participant, not a third party.
How the dispute process works
The process is fully automatic and consists of several stages:
- Opening the dispute. Either party presses "Open dispute" on the deal page and signs a transaction in their wallet. Funds remain frozen in the smart contract.
- Both parties are notified. Both parties receive a Telegram notification with a link to the arbitration page.
- Questionnaire by 5 AI agents. Each party independently answers 5 questions. Questions concern deal details, the problem, and available evidence. Parties cannot see each other's answers. Analysis is performed by a cascading panel of 5 independent AI agents using different models.
- Answer deadline: 24 hours. Both parties have 24 hours to respond. Four reminders are sent (at 6, 12, 18, 20 hours). Either party can request a one-time 24-hour extension. If a party stays silent, AI agents decide based on available facts and on-chain signals (not automatically in anyone's favor).
- 5 AI agents analyze and deliver a verdict. A 3-tier cascade is used: (1) the main agent tries to decide alone, (2) if confidence is below 90%, a panel of 3 agents with different approaches (Strict, Empathetic, Technical) joins, (3) if they disagree, the Senior Chairman agent issues the final decision. All agents' opinions are published transparently.
- Appeal window: 3 rounds (12+6+3 hours). After the verdict, both parties have 12 hours to submit new evidence. If someone submits, the opponent gets 6 hours to counter, then a final 3-hour round. Maximum 3 rounds. At any stage both parties can settle voluntarily: the initiator can release funds to the counterparty, or the counterparty can refund the initiator — instantly.
- Automatic execution. After the appeal window, the decision is automatically executed on-chain — funds are transferred to the winning party. An executed decision cannot be reversed.
What the AI arbiter asks
The AI asks each party 5 questions aimed at establishing the facts. Typical topics include:
- Deal subject — what exactly was agreed upon between the parties
- What went wrong — a specific description of the problem with dates and facts
- Evidence — screenshots, messages, tracking numbers, photos of goods
- Settlement attempts — whether the parties tried to resolve the issue amicably before the dispute
- Expected outcome — what the party expects from dispute resolution
Important: AI compares answers from both sides
The AI analyzes the consistency and internal logic of each party's answers, compares them against each other and against blockchain deal data. Contradictions and vague answers reduce confidence in a party's position.
How to prepare for a dispute
Tips for a compelling case
- Save all correspondence — all messages with the counterparty, starting from when the deal was discussed
- Take screenshots — of goods, services, delivery tracking, any confirmations
- Be specific — include dates, amounts, facts. "The item arrived on May 15 with damaged packaging" is better than "I received the wrong thing"
- Be honest — the AI cross-references answers from both sides and detects inconsistencies
- Attach evidence — if you have screenshots, tracking or messages, describe them in your answers
- Try to resolve amicably before the dispute — this is a positive signal for the AI. If the counterparty ignores you, mention it
Possible dispute outcomes
| Outcome | What happens |
|---|
| Verdict in favor of the initiator | The AI determined the counterparty did not fulfill the conditions. Funds are returned to the initiator (buyer). |
| Verdict in favor of the counterparty | The AI determined the initiator is unjustifiably blocking funds. Funds are transferred to the counterparty (seller). |
| Automatic timeout decision | The counterparty did not answer the arbiter's questions within 3 hours. Funds are automatically returned to the initiator. |
| Counterparty withdrew from the dispute | The counterparty voluntarily pressed "Withdraw from dispute". Funds are returned to the initiator. |
| Initiator released funds | The initiator voluntarily transferred funds to the counterparty (e.g., the parties reached an agreement privately). |
Important to know
Irreversibility of the decision
After 3 rounds of appeals (max 30 hours), the decision is executed on-chain automatically. Blockchain transactions are irreversible — it is impossible to reverse a fund transfer after execution. Before this, both parties can settle voluntarily: the initiator can release funds to the counterparty, or the counterparty can refund the initiator — instantly, without AI.
- Disputes are resolved by AI automatically — no human intervention is required. The entire process from opening to execution runs without administrator involvement.
- The appeal window is your chance to object. If you believe the verdict is wrong, provide additional evidence within 12 hours. The AI will re-analyze the case with new data. Maximum 3 rounds of appeals.
- Frequent unjustified disputes are tracked. The system tracks each user's dispute history. Unjustified disputes reduce confidence in your position in future proceedings.
- 180 days of inactivity. If both parties remain silent and take no action for 180 days, the funds are automatically directed to a charitable fund.
- Funds are safe during the dispute. While the proceedings are ongoing, funds remain frozen in the smart contract. Neither party can withdraw them until a decision is made.
Frequently asked questions
Can I cancel a dispute after opening it?
No. Once the dispute-opening transaction is signed, the process is started and cannot be cancelled. However, the initiator can voluntarily release funds to the counterparty if the parties reach an agreement.
What if I missed the deadline for answering questions?
If either party does not respond within 24 hours, the AI decides the case based on available facts and on-chain signals — not automatically in anyone's favor. Silence is treated as context, not as evidence of guilt. If you were offline, you can request a one-time 24-hour extension.
Can the other party see my answers?
No. Each party's answers are submitted to the AI arbiter confidentially. The other party cannot see your answers, and you cannot see theirs.
Can the AI make a mistake?
The decision is made by a panel of 5 AI judges (different models) using a cascade system (main judge, panel of 3 with different approaches, Senior Chairman). Each sees both parties' answers and evaluates independently. The more specific and fact-supported your answers are, the more accurate the verdict will be. The appeal window (3 rounds of 12+6+3 hours) lets you submit additional evidence.
Do I need to connect a wallet to answer questions?
No. Telegram is sufficient for answering the arbiter's questions. A wallet is only needed to open the dispute (signing the on-chain transaction).
