Electronic Pharmacies and Consumer Protection: National and International Legal Aspects

Abstract The article examines the topical issue of consumer protection of pharmaceutical services, in particular, in the context of e-pharmacies, which has become particularly important in the context of rapid development of electronic (digital) commerce. The purpose of the study is to analyse the main challenges and threats faced by consumers when purchasing pharmaceutical products online, and to identify ways to improve protective mechanisms at the national and international levels. The methods of analysis, synthesis, comparison, modelling and abstraction were used in the study. This approach allowed the authors to identify the main legal issues related to the operation of e-pharmacies and to describe the existing international legal standards of consumer protection in different countries of the world. Based on the analysis of the current law enforcement practice of certain countries, it is established that users of e-pharmacies still face significant risks associated with the circulation of counterfeit or low-quality medicines, violation of personal data confidentiality and manipulative commercial practices. The authors emphasises the need for comprehensive cooperation between international organisations, states, businesses and consumers to create common safety standards and effective consumer protection in the digital environment.