Legal Perspective on The Challenges and Roles of Consumer Protection in The Digital Economy Era

Abstract

The development of the digital economy has brought significant changes to consumer interaction patterns in business transactions, simultaneously presenting new opportunities and challenges in consumer protection. This study aims to examine the role of law in ensuring the protection of consumer rights in the digital era, identify emerging legal challenges, and compare consumer protection systems in Indonesia, China, and Japan. The research method used is normative legal, examining regulations, including the Consumer Protection Law (UUPK), the Electronic Information and Transactions Law (UU ITE), and the Government Regulation on the Protection of Consumer Rights (PPPSTE). The results show that regulations in Indonesia have not fully adapted to the characteristics of digital transactions, particularly regarding the protection of personal data and cross-border transactions. Key challenges include legal requirements, low consumer literacy, and weak law enforcement. Compared with China and Japan, Indonesia needs to strengthen regulations, increase the effectiveness of law enforcement, and encourage digital literacy. This study recommends the need for adaptive policies, technology-based supervision, and cross-sectoral collaboration to create a safe, fair, and sustainable digital economy ecosystem.