The Future of Global E-Commerce Regulation: Legal Challenges in Ensuring Fair Competition, Consumer Rights, and Data Protection

Abstract

The rapid growth of global e-commerce has significantly reshaped the commercial landscape, bringing new opportunities and challenges. As digital commerce expands across borders, the need for robust and coherent legal frameworks to address issues such as fair competition, consumer rights, and data protection has become increasingly apparent. This article explores the legal challenges posed by the borderless nature of e-commerce, focusing on key areas including market dominance, consumer protection, and privacy concerns. It examines existing international and regional legal frameworks, such as the European Union’s Digital Services Act and the California Consumer Privacy Act, and highlights the need for international cooperation to harmonize e-commerce regulations. The article further addresses the difficulties of regulating competition in a digital economy where market dynamics are rapidly evolving, and the traditional boundaries of national laws are rendered ineffective. Through case studies, it illustrates the legal implications of anti-competitive practices in the e-commerce sector. Additionally, the article discusses emerging technological advancements, such as artificial intelligence and blockchain, and their potential impact on data protection laws. The need for a balanced regulatory approach that fosters innovation while ensuring the protection of consumer rights and privacy is emphasized. Ultimately, the article proposes future directions for e-commerce regulation, advocating for collaborative efforts among governments, businesses, and consumers to create a globally consistent legal framework that addresses the evolving challenges of the digital economy.