Composition of E-Commerce Relationships in the Context of Consumer Rights Protection

Abstract

Activation of innovation processes in the world trade practice necessitates a reinterpretation of the management methodology at the level of subjects of the economic system of different levels and types. Purchasing goods online is becoming more commonplace. Therefore, the relevance of the work is beyond doubt. The paper is highlights the issues of legal regulation of e-commerce relations in Ukraine, which has become widespread due to numerous benefits for its participants. However, such commerce can be risky for consumers, should sellers abuse their capabilities. It is established that the relationships that arise between the buyer and seller of goods, works and services on the Internet do not differ from the traditional rules of sale and are regulated, in particular, by the provisions of the Civil Code of Ukraine and the Law of Ukraine “On Consumer Protection”. But the loopholes in the Law of Ukraine “On E-Commerce” create grounds for abuse. This Law is not sufficiently understandable for the average consumer as it lacks sound and transparent provisions on the composition of e-commerce relationships (entities, objects, means of regulation), as well as requirements for the person using such resources as the online store and/or online trading platform; e-commerce communication schemes (a person who offers a product through an online store can be the seller of the product or use suppliers to send the product to the buyer); the content of the information to be provided to the consumer and the contracts with the consumer under various ecommerce schemes; authorized body and self-regulatory organizations, with definition of their role in the field of e-commerce. The aforementioned act does not properly regulate the relationship on liability, with consideration of the specificity of e-commerce. All of this testifies to the need to improve the legal regulation of these relations, taking into account the needs of civil society and the digital economy, which can be ensured by the adoption of a new, more substantive and consumer-friendly version of the Law “On E-Commerce”.