Assignment 1 Discussion: Ethical Issues And E-Commerce In No

Assignment 1 Discussionethical Issues And E Commercein November 2011

Assignment 1 Discussionethical Issues And E Commercein November 2011

Describe a minimum of two ethical and two legal issues of e-commerce as it relates to buyers and sellers. For example, explain if online auction sites should be liable for illegal or counterfeit merchandise sold on behalf of third party sellers. Give reasons and examples to support your response.

Apply APA standards to citation of sources.

Paper For Above instruction

E-commerce has revolutionized the way buyers and sellers interact, creating new opportunities and challenges rooted in ethical and legal considerations. Understanding these issues is vital for maintaining trust, protecting rights, and ensuring fair commerce in digital environments.

Ethical issues in e-commerce often revolve around transparency, privacy, and consumer protection. One prominent ethical concern is data privacy. Buyers expect that their personal and financial information will be protected and used responsibly. For instance, cases like the Facebook-Cambridge Analytica scandal highlighted misuse of user data, undermining trust in digital platforms (Isaac & Frenkel, 2018). Sellers and platforms have an ethical obligation to implement robust data security measures and transparent privacy policies to uphold consumer rights.

Another ethical issue concerns honesty in advertising and product representations. E-commerce platforms must ensure that product descriptions, images, and reviews are accurate. Misleading advertisements can deceive consumers, leading to dissatisfaction and legal repercussions. For example, the controversy surrounding false claims in weight loss supplements sold online exemplifies the importance of truthful marketing (Smith, 2019). Ethical practices involve truthful communication to foster consumer confidence and uphold integrity.

Legal issues in e-commerce primarily involve liability, intellectual property rights, and consumer protection laws. One significant legal issue is counterfeit merchandise sales on online auction sites or marketplaces. Platforms like eBay or Amazon face ongoing debates over their responsibility regarding illegal or counterfeit products sold by third-party sellers. While these platforms often have policies and hold fees to deter such activity, their liability remains a complex issue. Courts have sometimes held platforms liable for knowingly facilitating counterfeit sales, emphasizing the need for vigilant enforcement (Hippel, 2016).

Another legal concern relates to contract enforceability and jurisdiction. In cross-border e-commerce, determining which country's laws apply can be complicated. Disputes over refunds, delivery, or defective products often involve multiple legal systems, presenting challenges for consumers and sellers alike. Platforms must establish clear terms of service and compliance with international trade laws to mitigate legal risks.

In summary, e-commerce introduces ethical issues such as data privacy and truthful advertising, alongside legal issues like counterfeit liability and jurisdictional challenges. Both dimensions require diligent enforcement, transparent policies, and adherence to legal standards to foster a trustworthy online environment.

References

  • Hippel, E. (2016). The counterfeit problem in e-commerce: Liability and enforcement. Journal of Internet Law, 20(7), 1-15.
  • Isaac, M., & Frenkel, S. (2018). Facebook data scandal: Cambridge Analytica’s role and implications. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2018/03/17/technology/cambridge-analytica-midterms.html
  • Smith, J. (2019). Deceptive marketing practices and consumer protection in online sales. Journal of Business Ethics, 154(2), 321-332.
  • United States Federal Trade Commission. (2020). Advertising and marketing on the internet. https://www.ftc.gov/tips-advice/business-center/advertising-and-marketing
  • World Intellectual Property Organization. (2019). Combating counterfeiting and piracy. https://www.wipo.int/ip-outreach/en/ipday/2019/feature1.html
  • eBay Inc. (2021). Protecting buyers and preventing counterfeit products. https://www.ebay.com/help/policies/prohibited-restricted-items/anti-counterfeit-policy?id=4277
  • Amazon.com, Inc. (2022). Protecting intellectual property rights. https://sell.amazon.com/ips.html
  • Hippel, E. (2016). The counterfeit problem in e-commerce: Liability and enforcement. Journal of Internet Law, 20(7), 1-15.
  • Online Privacy Alliance. (2017). Best practices for data privacy and security. https://www.privacyalliance.org/
  • U.S. Department of Commerce. (2019). Legal considerations in digital commerce. https://www.commerce.gov/

Related Assignments