A Comparative Study of E-Commerce Corporate Law in the UK and Saudi Arabia

Abstract

The growth of e-commerce has revolutionized global markets, prompting significant shifts in the regulatory frameworks of many countries to address the complexities of digital transactions. This thesis provides a comparative analysis of the e-commerce corporate laws in the United Kingdom (UK) and Saudi Arabia, focusing on consumer protection, data privacy, liability provisions, and digital payment systems. In the UK, e-commerce regulation has been influenced by the European Union’s legal framework, particularly the E-Commerce Directive and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Post-Brexit, the UK is gradually establishing a more independent regulatory structure, marked by the introduction of the Digital Markets Unit and the Online Safety Bill. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s regulatory landscape is shaped by its Vision 2030 initiative, with the Saudi E-Commerce Law of 2019 and the Personal Data Protection Law of 2023 serving as key legal instruments. This study examines the similarities and differences in the e-commerce regulatory frameworks of both countries, emphasizing their approaches to consumer protection, data privacy, and the regulation of digital payment systems. A comparative legal analysis methodology is used, drawing on primary and secondary sources, including statutes, case law, and academic literature. The analysis reveals that while both countries prioritize consumer protection and data privacy, their regulatory frameworks are tailored to their respective economic, cultural, and technological environments. The study concludes with recommendations for harmonizing data protection standards, enhancing platform accountability, and fostering global cooperation in e-commerce regulation to strengthen consumer protection and support the growth of the digital economy.