CONSUMER PROTECTION IN THE DIGITAL MARKET
THE LAWWAY WITH LAWYERS JOURNAL VOLUME:- 1 ISSUE NO – 1 , July 15,2023 NAME – RAKTIM SINGHA ROY THEME – CONTEMPORARY LEGAL ISSUES TOPIC – LEGAL ARTICLE TITLE OF THE ARTICLE – CONSUMER PROTECTION IN THE DIGITAL MARKET COLLEGE – TECHNO INDIA UNIVERSITY PROGRAMME – BA-LLB [HONS] YEAR OF STUDY – 2ND YEAR Consumer Protection in the Digital Market Introduction The advent of the digital market has completely transformed the manner in which we acquire products and services. Through a simple few clicks, individuals now have the ability to enter a worldwide marketplace, juxtapose prices, and seamlessly carry out transactions right from their own living spaces. Nevertheless, this ever-changing landscape also brings about distinctive obstacles with regards to safeguarding consumer rights. Consumer Protection in the Digital Market holds immense significance in today’s tech-centric era. With the surge of online shopping and digital transactions, it has become increasingly vital to ensure that consumers are shielded effectively against scams, deceptive advertisements, and unjust business methods. In the context of India, the Consumer Protection Act of 2019 oversees the safeguarding of consumer rights and tackles concerns connected to consumer complaints. This legislation strives to secure the well- being of consumers, foster equitable trade practices, and establish a speedy and cost-effective system for resolving consumer disputes. Enshrined within the Consumer Protection Act, individuals possess the right to seek resolution for items or services that exhibit flaws, inadequacies, or unjustness. The scope of this Act encompasses an extensive array of matters, spanning from online transactions and digital services to e-commerce platforms. It empowers consumers to voice complaints, demand compensation, and attain redressal for any harm or loss endured due to prejudiced or deceitful practices within the digital marketplace. A consumer retains the option to lodge a complaint with the appropriate Consumer Dispute Redressal Forum, contingent on the worth of the products or services in question, as well as the sought-after compensation. This legislation establishes District, State, and National Consumer Dispute Redressal Commissions, each with jurisdiction determined by the value of the involved products or services, as well as the claimed compensation. This piece aims to delve into the legal structure that encompasses consumer protection within the digital market. It will shine a light on pivotal concerns, regulatory measures, and the essential necessity for robust protective measures. In today’s rapidly changing world, the traditional ways we used to shop for things have undergone a big transformation due to the rise of the digital market. This change has given us an incredible ability to explore a huge global marketplace and make purchases that are incredibly easy, all while sitting comfortably at home. With just a few clicks, we can look at so many different products, compare their prices effortlessly, and even buy things really quickly. In this complex environment, issues like protecting our personal data, preventing scams, and ensuring the security of our transactions have become very important. E-Commerce Regulations and Consumer Rights E-commerce, short for electronic commerce, involves the exchange of goods and services over the internet or computer networks. This booming sector has completely changed how people shop and do business. Yet, it comes with its own set of distinctive issues, particularly in terms of safeguarding consumer interests. In the following part, we’ll delve into the rules and rights that oversee digital transactions in the realm of e-commerce. The rise of e-commerce has brought about a convenient and widely adopted method of engaging in business deals. Nevertheless, the swift expansion of e-commerce has made it imperative to institute rules that uphold consumer rights and guarantee ethical trade conduct within this realm of digital commerce. In the context of India, the Information Technology Act of 2000 takes charge of overseeing e-commerce operations and lays down a lawful structure for tackling matters associated with online transactions, encompassing consumer rights as well. Through this Act and its subsequent revisions, a comprehensive set of guidelines is established to foster secure electronic transactions, thwart cybercrimes, and provide protection for consumer interests. Applicable Laws and Jurisdiction: Within India, the regulation of e-commerce transactions is chiefly guided by the Information Technology Act, 2000 (IT Act) along with its later revisions, with its subsequent amendments, governs electronic transactions, including those in the digital market. It provides legal framework for electronic commerce, data protection, and cybercrimes. In case of any dispute regarding online transactions or violations of consumer rights in the digital market, the provisions of this Act may be invoked. This legal framework offers guidelines on electronic records, digital signatures, and electronic Furthermore, safeguarding consumers in the digital market falls under the jurisdiction of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 (CPA). Consumer Rights in the Digital Market: Consumer protection laws aim to safeguard the interests and rights of consumers in e-commerce These rights include- Right to Information, Right to Choose, Right to Safety, Right to Be Heard. Every consumer holds the entitlement to receive precise and comprehensive information regarding the items or services they plan to buy. This encompasses crucial particulars like the price, specifications, usage conditions, delivery alternatives, as well as any additional costs or fees linked to the purchase. Online Fraud and Scams: As the internet and e-commerce continue to gain widespread traction, the rise of online fraud and scams has become a pressing global issue. Culprits take advantage of the internet’s anonymity and its worldwide accessibility to trick both individuals and businesses. In the upcoming part, we’ll delve into the hurdles presented by online fraud and scams, and we’ll also explore the legal steps that have been taken to counteract these activities. In case anyone becomes a victim of online fraud or scam, it’s advisable to report the incident to any local law enforcement authorities and relevant consumer protection agencies. Prompt reporting can help prevent further harm and aid in the investigation and prosecution of the scammers. Challenges Faced by Consumers: Discuss common types of online scams, such as phishing scams, identity theft and bogus Analysed all challenges consumers face in reporting such fraudulent activities. Buyers frequently