The impact of the UNCITRAL Model Law on electronic contracts in international legal systems. Saudi Arabia electronic contracts development from a legal perspective

Abstract

This study aims to investigate whether the legal platforms can provide standard or required legal protection to ensure the significant and secure flow of electronic data interchange (EDI) within both public and private networks in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This study is significant since there is an increase seen in the use of electronic platforms. People are more inclined to use platforms that save them the hassle of paperwork. The study findings reveal that e-contracts are legally valid and in the court of law and e-signatures on these contracts are admissible in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. As per the Electronic Transactions Act 2007, there is no need for a handwritten signature to ensure the credibility of a contract. Therefore, contracts should not be refused for being electronic. Furthermore, The Saudi electronic system perceives the utilisation of both electronic records as an electronic mark as confirmation for electronic exchanges. In such a manner, an electronic signature must only be denied if there should be an issue, such as a fabrication challenge since its objective is to report the exchange led electronically and confirm that the expected client has given it.