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VOL. 8, ISSUE 1 (2026)
Consumer rights in the digital realm: Comprehending India's Cyber law framework
Authors
Dr. Ankit Sourav Sahoo
Abstract
The rapid expansion of digital commerce has
transformed traditional consumer markets into complex online ecosystems where
transactions occur through mobile applications, digital payments, and virtual
platforms. This article examines the legal framework governing consumer
protection in India’s digital marketplace and analyses how cyber laws safeguard
consumer rights in the era of e-commerce and fintech. The study highlights the
transition from the traditional doctrine of caveat emptor (“let
the buyer beware”) to caveat venditor (“let the seller
beware”), reflecting the growing responsibility of businesses to ensure
transparency, fairness, and accountability in online transactions. A central
focus of the article is the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, which modernised
India’s consumer law by recognising online consumers and establishing the
Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) to investigate unfair trade
practices and misleading advertisements. The Consumer Protection (E-Commerce)
Rules, 2020 further regulate digital marketplaces by mandating grievance
redressal mechanisms, disclosure of product information, and accountability of
online platforms. The article also explores emerging challenges such as
dark patterns in digital interfaces, misuse of consumer data, and the rise of
cyber fraud in digital payment systems. It explains how multiple laws including
the Information Technology Act, 2000, the Digital Personal Data Protection Act,
2023, and Reserve Bank of India guidelines on electronic banking fraud
collectively create a multilayered protection mechanism for digital consumers. The
study concludes that while India has developed a robust legal framework for
consumer protection in cyberspace, effective enforcement and consumer awareness
remain essential to ensure that digital marketplaces remain fair, transparent,
and secure for users.
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Pages:243-245
How to cite this article:
Dr. Ankit Sourav Sahoo "Consumer rights in the digital realm: Comprehending India's Cyber law framework". International Journal of Law, Policy and Social Review, Vol 8, Issue 1, 2026, Pages 243-245
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