A Research Report Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for Award of Bachelor of Laws (LLB) Degree of Mzumbe University
This study examines consumer Protection in E-Contracts. Consumers Engage in Electronic contracts daily in life. The issue of consumer protection in Electronic contract is given special consideration and attention in Tanzania. This is because every human being is vulnerable to risks and uncertainties when buying goods and products online. Electronic contracts are seen as a solution to contracting parties located at different places. Thus help many people from unnecessary expenses introduced by traditional rules regulating contracts.
Due to barriers created by traditional Rules governing contract, the Parliament of the United Republic of Tanzania enacted The Electronic Transaction Act No.13 of 2015 to regulate Electronic contracts formed and concluded online. The law under part IX brought some changes to the Principal Legislation (The Law of Contract Act [Cap 345 R.E. 2019]). The laws governing Electronic Contracts in Tanzania prove sound effective setup. However, their implementation has remained subject to criticism. The study was conducted through field study at Dar es Salaam Region Tanzania. The study involved documentary review and field research by gathering relevant information from legal practitioners, Legal advisers and stakeholders. The study involved a sample of 25 respondents and random sampling was employed.
This study found out that the Electronic Transaction Act no 13of 2015) has weakness on aspects of E-agent because the Act does not stipulate clearly on the issue of E-agent when consumers engage in E-contract and the principal legislation is silent on the issue of communication of offer and Acceptance made by E-agents. The study recommends these issues to be worked out for effective enforcement and implementation of laws for protection of consumers in Electronic Contracts.