Data protection and privacy in e-commerce environment: Systematic review

The rapid expansion of e-commerce has revolutionized how businesses and consumers interact, but it has also raised significant concerns regarding data protection and privacy. This systematic review examines existing research on data protection and privacy in the e-commerce environment, with a focus on identifying key challenges, solutions, and trends. A comprehensive search of academic databases was conducted, covering studies published over the last two decades. The findings highlight the vulnerabilities inherent in e-commerce systems, including data breaches, identity theft, and inadequate compliance with evolving privacy regulations such as General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA). Emerging technologies such as blockchain, artificial intelligence, and privacy-preserving algorithms are explored as potential solutions to enhance data security and consumer trust. Additionally, the review underscores the critical role of user awareness, organizational practices, and regulatory enforcement in creating a robust data protection framework. This paper aims to provide researchers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders with a consolidated understanding of current practices and future directions for safeguarding data privacy in the e-commerce sector.