Human Rights Implications of Buy Now Pay Later Usage among Teenagers: A Comparative Legal and Policy Analysis of Indonesia and Oman
Keywords:
Pay Later, Human Rights, TeenagersAbstract
The development of financial technology (fintech) has given rise to the Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) payment innovation, which allows consumers to make instant purchases of goods and services with deferred payments. Although this service enhances financial access and digital consumption, its convenience poses new risks, especially for teenagers who tend to lack adequate financial literacy. The phenomenon of increasing BNPL usage among teenagers raises serious questions regarding the protection of human rights, particularly the right to consumer protection, the right to economic education, and the right to be free from exploitative financial practices. This research aims to analyze the human rights implications of BNPL usage among teenagers through a comparative legal and policy approach between Indonesia and Oman. The study employs qualitative methods with a comparative legal and policy analysis approach, involving the analysis of national legislation, government policies, financial institution reports, and academic literature related to children's rights and digital consumer protection. The research results indicate that Indonesia has a rapidly developing fintech regulatory framework but has not yet fully emphasized the aspect of human rights protection for young users. On the other hand, Oman tends to be more cautious by applying Sharia principles and strict regulations in digital finance, thereby providing better protection for teenagers from the risk of consumer debt. Both countries, despite differing legal and social contexts, face the same challenge: balancing digital innovation with the protection of young users' fundamental rights. This research recommends strengthening financial literacy, regulating age limits for BNPL usage, and integrating human rights principles into national fintech policies in both countries
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