Legal Terms electronic commerce (p. 284) electronic signature (p.286) online privacy (p. 286) Federal Trade Commission (FTC) (p. 287)

Electronic Commerce Electronic commerce, also called e-commerce, is the buying and selling of goods and services, or the transfer of money, over the Internet.

Shopping Safely on the Internet Shopping online offers many benefits. You can shop when you want, you can find almost anything you want, and prices may be very good. However, there can be some dangers to shopping on the Internet.

Shopping Safely on the Internet To avoid these dangers, here are some tips: Shop with companies you know. Keep your password private. Pay by credit or charge card. Keep a record.

Internet Auctions Internet auctions offer good buys, but they can be risky. Do your homework before buying online. Know the seller. Know the product. Know the auction site. Know how to bid.

Worldwide Shopping Online shopping has opened up a world of available goods. Answer these questions to determine whether a Web site is safe for international online shopping.

Worldwide Shopping Are the prices listed in U.S dollars or another currency? Does the company ship internationally? How long will delivery take?

Worldwide Shopping Will unexpected taxes or duties be added to the price? Who can help you resolve any problems?

Electronic Signatures E-Sign is a federal law that permits the use of electronic signatures and records. An electronic signature is a method of signing an electronic message.

Electronic Signatures It identifies a particular person as the source of the message. It indicates that person’s approval of the information in the message.

Electronic Signatures Under E-Sign, an electronic signature can be used on a contract if the parties agree. The Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (UETA), adopted by numerous states, is a similar law.

Online Privacy Online privacy is a part of your more general right to privacy. It concerns your identity, movement, and personal commercial activities on the Internet.

Online Privacy Many laws protect your rights to online privacy. Children (under thirteen) are protected with special statutes, such as the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act.

Online Privacy Many state legislatures are adopting laws regulating Internet privacy, which can create confusion among consumers. There is a movement for the U.S. Congress to set national standards that override state legislation.

Online Privacy The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) would investigate violations of the FTC Act, which states that, “unfair or deceptive acts or practices in or affecting commerce are hereby declared unlawful.”