LML4810 PORTFOLIO
Semester 1 2024 - DUE
27 May 2024
[Company address]
, LML4810 PORTFOLIO Semester 1 2024 - DUE 27 May
2024
Question 1
A has recently launched their new e-commerce venture in South Africa in competition with
South African e-commerce traders like . As a South African e-commerce law expert you
are approached by a legal advisor from A for advice. In order for A to comprehend the
local and regional e-commerce legal landscape you are tasked to inform A on the
similarities and differences of the facilitation of electronic transactions provisions in the
Electronic Communications and Transactions Act (ECTA) 25 of 2002 with other
international or regional model laws you are aware of that deal with the most prominent
issues you have identified as being relevant to e-commerce in South Africa (i.e. module
content). Part of your task includes informing Amazon’s legal advisor regarding the
challenges that have been identified as impeding e-commerce in Africa and how those
challenges may be addressed. [25 marks]
Similarities and Differences of ECTA with International/Regional Model Laws for E-
Commerce in South Africa
Similarities:
• Functional Equivalents: Both ECTA and many international models (e.g., UNCITRAL
Model Law on Electronic Commerce) establish functional equivalents for traditional
paper-based concepts like writing, signatures, and originals in the digital realm. This
ensures legal recognition of electronic transactions.
• Technology Neutrality: ECTA and most models promote technology neutrality,
meaning the legal framework applies regardless of the specific technology used (email,
website, etc.)
• Consumer Protection: Both ECTA and international models aim to protect consumers
in e-commerce by addressing issues like contract formation (clickwrap agreements),
information disclosure, and dispute resolution mechanisms.
Semester 1 2024 - DUE
27 May 2024
[Company address]
, LML4810 PORTFOLIO Semester 1 2024 - DUE 27 May
2024
Question 1
A has recently launched their new e-commerce venture in South Africa in competition with
South African e-commerce traders like . As a South African e-commerce law expert you
are approached by a legal advisor from A for advice. In order for A to comprehend the
local and regional e-commerce legal landscape you are tasked to inform A on the
similarities and differences of the facilitation of electronic transactions provisions in the
Electronic Communications and Transactions Act (ECTA) 25 of 2002 with other
international or regional model laws you are aware of that deal with the most prominent
issues you have identified as being relevant to e-commerce in South Africa (i.e. module
content). Part of your task includes informing Amazon’s legal advisor regarding the
challenges that have been identified as impeding e-commerce in Africa and how those
challenges may be addressed. [25 marks]
Similarities and Differences of ECTA with International/Regional Model Laws for E-
Commerce in South Africa
Similarities:
• Functional Equivalents: Both ECTA and many international models (e.g., UNCITRAL
Model Law on Electronic Commerce) establish functional equivalents for traditional
paper-based concepts like writing, signatures, and originals in the digital realm. This
ensures legal recognition of electronic transactions.
• Technology Neutrality: ECTA and most models promote technology neutrality,
meaning the legal framework applies regardless of the specific technology used (email,
website, etc.)
• Consumer Protection: Both ECTA and international models aim to protect consumers
in e-commerce by addressing issues like contract formation (clickwrap agreements),
information disclosure, and dispute resolution mechanisms.
