Contractual Frameworks Regulating Digital Trade in International Law

Abstract

In the age of digital globalization, international trade is increasingly conducted through digital means, necessitating robust legal frameworks to regulate cross-border electronic transactions. This article explores the principal contractual frameworks that govern digital trade in international law, including WTO agreements, bilateral and regional free trade agreements (FTAs), and instruments by UNCITRAL and UNCTAD. The analysis focuses on the intersection of traditional trade law principles and emerging digital realities, evaluating the adequacy of current treaties, highlighting legal gaps, and proposing reforms. The article further addresses data flow governance, digital services, cybersecurity obligations, and consumer protection within the architecture of international digital trade law.