South African Consumer Perspectives on Electronic Contract Challenges and Legislative Implications | Chapter 6 | Contemporary Issues of Business and Management: The Proceedings of the 10th International Conference on Business and Management Dynamics (ICBMD), Edition 1

In recent years, the rise of online shopping and electronic contracts has intensified the challenges faced by South African consumers. This study investigates these challenges, emphasising the role of South Africa’s Consumer Protection Act (CPA) and Electronic Communications and Transactions Act (ECTA) in safeguarding consumers. Focusing on fairness and accessibility, this study identifies and explores barriers to consumer understanding, enforceability, and awareness, particularly in light of consumer rights such as transparency, privacy, and informed consent. Key findings reveal the need for greater transparency and simplification of contract terms.

This research employs multiple methods, combining a consumer survey with quantitative analysis to explore gaps in consumer awareness and regulatory effectiveness.  The study utilised non-probability sampling techniques, employing purposive and convenience sampling. The consumer survey, which was primarily quantitative in nature, utilised questionnaires. Limited research has been conducted on electronic contract consumer challenges in South Africa and studies have focused more on formal face-to-face written agreements. This study therefore addresses such gap by exploring online consumer challenges and the protection provided by existing consumer laws. The findings show that there are multiple challenges and barriers facing consumers with respect to electronic contracts, notably, revealing significant challenges in consumer understanding, a lack of accessible contract language, and barriers to enforceability that have not been adequately addressed. In addition, possible measures to address such challenges include workshops on consumer protection laws and consumer contracts in plain and understandable language.

 

Author (s) Details

 

Nikita Dwarika
Department of Applied Law, Faculty of Management Sciences, Durban University of Technology, South Africa.

 

Karunanidhi Reddy
Department of Applied Law, Faculty of Management Sciences, Durban University of Technology, South Africa.

 

Please see the book here:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/mono/978-93-49238-29-9/CH6

Commentary of Taiwan Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act Amendment: A Consumer Protection Perspective| Chapter 13 | Current Aspects in Pharmaceutical Research and Development Vol.9

 According to the study, the government should change the legislation and enforce stricter policies, as well as give adequate school education to kids, in order to protect nationals' health and interests. The government should assume responsibility for protecting residents' health and taking proper preventative actions. The most effective way to limit smoking products is through legislation. Regulatory bodies should also strive to strike a balance between all parties' interests and protect consumers' rights and interests. This study employs a Consumer Protection Perspective to examine the Taiwan Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act Amendment in order to protect consumers from product infringement and to assist the government in improving its tobacco sector tactics in the future. According to the findings, the government should change legislation and enact more stringent policies, as well as give adequate education to students, in order to protect citizens' health and interests.

Author(s) Details:

L. M. Cheng,
Department of International Business, Providence University, Taiwan.


M. H. Sung,
Department of Financial and Economic Law, Asia University, Taiwan.


H. W. Wang,
Department of Business Administration, National Changhua University of Education, Taiwan.

Please see the link here: https://stm.bookpi.org/CAPRD-V9/article/view/5973