Regulatory limitations of the World Trade Organization in the digital economy and proposals to strengthen the multilateral governance of electronic commerce
Abstract
This article analyzed the regulatory challenges posed by the dominance of major technological platforms in international trade and assessed the role of the World Trade Organization in addressing these phenomena. Through a documentary and qualitative research approach, academic and institutional sources were examined, revealing the limitations of the current legal framework in addressing issues such as market concentration, cross-border data flows, and the protection of digital rights. The findings showed that the existing regulatory structure, based on instruments such as the General Agreement on Trade in Services, is insufficient to cope with the dynamics of the digital economy. Regulatory fragmentation and the need to strengthen international cooperation were also confirmed. The discussion emphasized the urgency of updating multilateral agreements, promoting common principles of digital competition, and ensuring the inclusion of developing countries in regulatory processes. Strategies were proposed to support regulatory modernization, standard harmonization, and the creation of inter-institutional cooperation mechanisms. The study concluded that revitalizing the role of the World Trade Organization is essential to building a more open, equitable, and sustainable digital trade framework in today’s global context.
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References
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