O uso das redes sociais como instrumento jurídico e educativo para a efectivação dos direitos do consumidor em Moçambique

Abstract

This TFC addresses and analyzes the potential of social media as a legal and educational tool for promoting consumer rights in Mozambique. Based on Law no. 22/2009, BR n.o 38, I Série, of 28 september 2009 (Consumer Rights Protection Law) and Law no. 3/2017, BR n.o 5, I Série, of 9 january 2017 (Electronic Transactions Law), it studies the legal framework for consumer protection and how technological means (especially social media) can be used to strengthen the right to information and consumer education.Starting from the recognition of the growing digital penetration and massive use of social media by Mozambican youth, the study observes that despite this progress, there remains a significant lack of initiatives by public institutions and civil society organizations in using social media as an educational tool and means to promote consumer rights.The research demonstrates that social media offer a practical and accessible path to combat the technical, factual, and legal vulnerabilities to which consumers are exposed (requiring only an end to the inertia of those responsible). Moreover, a critical reflection is proposed on institutional passivity and the need for more active and integrated public policies aligned with the digital environment. Finally, based on comparative analyses with examples from Portugal and Brazil, the paper presents a set of realistic proposals and recommendations that point to better utilization of social media as a channel for information and the promotion of consumer citizenship in Mozambique.