Legal and Ethical Issues in E-Commerce
E-Commerce operates across jurisdictions raising complex legal and ethical questions.
Cyber Law
Nepal's Electronic Transactions Act (ETA) 2063 provides legal recognition for e-records and digital signatures. UNCITRAL Model Law internationally.
Intellectual Property
Copyright (content, software), trademarks (brands, domains), patents (business methods), trade secrets. Digital piracy and counterfeiting are challenges.
Privacy
GDPR (EU), CCPA (California). Consent, right to access/delete, breach notification, data minimisation. Transparent privacy policies required.
Consumer Protection
Protection against fraud, misleading advertising, defective products. Accurate info, secure transactions, fair returns, dispute resolution.
Taxation
Sales tax/VAT varies by jurisdiction. Digital goods taxation evolving. Cross-border nexus questions. Nepal requires VAT on e-commerce.
Ethics
Algorithmic bias, dark patterns, environmental impact, digital divide, gig economy labour practices.
Summary
Legal and ethical compliance is foundational for sustainable, trustworthy E-Commerce.