Consumer Protection In The Digital Age: Safeguarding Rights Within E-Contract

Deepanshu Upadhyay, B.A. LL.B. (H.), Law College Dehradun, Uttaranchal University, Dehradun (Uttarakhand)

Dr. Ramakant Tripathi, Assistant Professor, Law College Dehradun, Uttaranchal University, Dehradun (Uttarakhand)

ABSTRACT

Rapid digitalization and boom in e-commerce in India, has prioritized the need for improved protection to consumers of electronic contract (e- contracts). This article emphasises on the issues of vulnerability of consumers as the contracts were entrusted to the dark digital realm, embracing the problems of unfair trade practices, fraud and breach of privacy. It also explores the limitations in present legal regime in protecting the rights of the consumers in India. The study inter alia attempts to review the present relevant laws of India, especially the Information Technology Act, 2000 and the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 and critically evaluates its efficiency as a complete safeguard to the digital consumers. The paper argues that the legal reform must look for complete legal regulation keeping in mind the opinion in the international market, with the inclusion of technological and educational purposes to provide a secure and fair digital platform. Stress has been laid on the international legal cooperation to harmonies the legal approach to protecting consumers in e-commerce.

Keywords: Consumer Protection, E-Contracts, Digital Age, Digital Marketplace, Online Transactions, Consumer Rights, Digitalization, E- Commerce.