Consumer protection in the digital environment

Abstract

The study examines the positive and negative aspects of the spread of digital technologies on legal relations with the participation of consumers. The relevance of the research is due to the complexity of the online environment, in which consumers are vulnerable to risks and challenges that affect their ability to participate in digital transformation. The categories of persons most vulnerable in the digital age are considered; factors contributing to this process; possible counteraction measures by the competent authorities. The purpose of studying these issues is to determine the basis of legal regulation of relations arising in connection with the digitalization of the economy, as well as to justify the improvement of domestic legislation in this area. The main research method was a systematic analysis of the categories “digital environment” and “consumer rights”, as well as a general scientific dialectical method, specific scientific and empirical methods of cognition. The study confirmed the hypothesis that consumers of digital goods (services) are less protected than consumers of traditional goods (services), however, the authors conclude that it is necessary to equally protect the rights of consumers of all social groups, while establishing special protection measures for the most vulnerable of them.