E-commerce and data privacy: a critical analysis of regulatory framework for global harmonization and innovation

Abstract

Data Privacy and Protection is in spotlight due to its complex nature in the digital age as the e-commerce has broken all the shackles of borders as one can buy anything from anywhere around the globe, but in addition it has raised privacy concerns as it involves not a single nation but multiple nations as the person who orders a product is sitting in a country while the product is being produced in another nation thousands of miles away and hence the laws of the producing country as well that of receiving country regarding privacy and protection are key in the transaction to be smooth. Thus, the regulating e-commerce in any country involves the ability of standards on the consumers’ protection and data privacy. Integration calls for the adoption of global standards that protect basic freedoms while at the same time preserving latitude for distinctive local implementations. Synchronization of these standards can help eliminate inconsistencies that have adverse effects on the international business and information exchange. For instance, while tended to align the laws with the EU’s GDPR and US’s CCPA it can serve as a model of the adoption of consistent privacy protection all over the world. Common law countries such as Pakistan, don't have a single law on data privacy. The universal laws on data privacy like GDPR & CCPA would secure consumers as well as draw clear jurisdictions and procedures for organizations that make trusts and innovations on e-commerce platforms. To create a fair data privacy laws and regulations, governments must priorities harmonization, inventiveness, and inclusivity. Universal principles for consumer protection and data privacy should be supplemented by adaptable systems that account for technological improvements and geographical differences. This research is to highlight the gaps in existing regulatory systems by adopting doctrinal and analytical research methodology. The present research is phenomenal as it provide the necessary details regarding privacy protection and the methods for maximizing digital privacy in modern era in order to avoid digital fraud and criminal activities that are caused due to the breach of the private data.