Legal protection of the consumer on social media platforms: a comparative study between UAE and Egypt

This research analyzes the impact of social media platforms on commercial transactions in the digital age, focusing on consumer protection in Egypt and the UAE. It critiques traditional consumer definitions in these legal systems, highlighting their inadequacies in addressing modern challenges. The study examines the stages of electronic contracting–pre-contractual, contractual, and execution–while emphasizing key consumer rights, such as access to accurate information and the right to withdraw from contracts. It stresses the importance of seller transparency in advertising and reveals the prevalence of misleading practices due to inadequate oversight. Additionally, it highlights consumer privacy and data protection as essential, alongside the need for secure electronic payment systems to enhance transaction credibility. Through a descriptive and comparative approach, the research offers recommendations for lawmakers to revise consumer definitions and establish regulatory bodies, ultimately advocating for updated legal measures to strengthen consumer rights in digital markets and ensure a safer online environment.