South African Cyber Law
Online Consumer Transactions
The ECT Act contains a dedicated framework for consumer protection in electronic transactions.
Information before a transaction
Chapter VII contains requirements concerning information that suppliers must provide to consumers in electronic transactions.
The purpose is to give consumers important information about the supplier and transaction before they become bound.
Cooling-off and cancellation
The Act provides specific consumer protections, including circumstances in which a consumer can cancel an electronic transaction.
The exact requirements, exclusions and consequences depend on the transaction and the provisions of the Act.
Keep transaction evidence
Save the order confirmation, invoice, product description, terms presented at checkout, payment record and relevant emails.
If the website changes after the transaction, your saved records can help establish what information was presented at the time.
Other consumer laws can apply
The ECT Act is not the only South African consumer-protection framework. Depending on the transaction, other legislation can also be relevant.
Cyber Conduct does not treat the ECT Act as a substitute for the complete consumer-law framework.
Official source
Read the official legislation from the South African government:
Electronic Communications and Transactions Act 25 of 2002 — South African GovernmentImportant
Cyber Conduct provides general educational information, not legal advice. South African legislation can change, and the application of the law depends on the facts of each situation. For a specific legal matter, consider obtaining advice from a qualified legal professional or the relevant authority.