Legal and regulatory framework

Building a sound legal and regulatory framework is key to infusing trust between consumers and businesses operating in the e-commerce ecosystem. The eT Readies have taken stock of laws and regulations related to electronic transactions, consumer protection, data protection, cybercrime and other relevant legislation, and in most cases have recommended carrying out a legal gap analysis, capacity-building and sensitization workshops and measures to strengthen law implementation. As with many other policy areas, the eT Readies have been an impetus for countries to accelerate legal reforms. Almost half of the countries reviewed by this report are currently assessing gaps in their legal frameworks, while the vast majority is pursuing new law initiatives to adapt to e-commerce as recommended in their eT Readies. More focus is being put on the need to build awareness and sensitize businesses and consumers on legal provisions applying to e-commerce transactions (see Figure 11). The overall implementation rate combining all 13 countries’ implemented recommendations in relation to improving the legal and regulatory framework is 51 per cent (see Annex 1).

Sustainable Development Goals:

Gender Equality

Decent Work and Economic Growth

Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure