I n today’s ever-evolving digital age, e-commerce businesses play a vital role in the global marketplace. However, running these businesses also comes with a great deal of responsibility, as this often requires handling large amounts of consumer data and sensitive personal information.
If you own an e-commerce business that regularly handles consumer data, you may wonder whether and to what extent e-commerce law applies to your operations. The following provides an overview of the various consumer protection and e-commerce laws and considerations to be aware of so that you can better serve your customers and protect your business moving forward.
Types of Businesses That May Be Subject to E-Commerce Law
It’s no secret that e-commerce has grown significantly in recent years. In fact, some experts predict that the e-commerce market will total nearly $8 trillion by 2027. As more and more businesses move all or a portion of their operations online, it’s important to recognize that many will be subject to certain laws and regulations pertaining to e-commerce. Below are some common examples:
- Online retailers
- Social media influencers
- Healthcare providers
- Online payment processors
- Online education platforms
- Digital marketing agencies
This is by no means an exhaustive list. With the prevalence of online marketing and mobile apps these days, it’s easier than ever to run at least a portion of your business online. Regardless of your exact business or industry, if you are marketing to or collecting data from current or prospective customers online, then it is important to learn about consumer protection and data privacy laws that may apply to you.
When it comes to operating an online business, navigating the myriad laws and regulations can feel overwhelming.
E-Commerce Laws and Regulations Overview
Currently, no comprehensive e-commerce legislation in the U.S. governs all types of online businesses and their obligations concerning consumer protection and data privacy. Nevertheless, below are some key laws and regulations to be aware of.
Federal Trade Commission Act
The Federal Trade Commission Act (FTCA) is geared in large part toward protecting consumers from fraudulent business practices and false advertising in the marketplace. This legislation gives the FTC authority to investigate complaints regarding unfair or deceptive business practices and take action where appropriate to protect the public.
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) establishes rules and standards to protect the personal health information of individual patients. HIPAA does this by requiring certain covered entities to implement various safeguards to protect against the release of this protected information. Importantly, these covered entities generally include healthcare providers, insurers, and clearing houses, who regularly process and store sensitive medical data.
Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act
The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) is federal legislation geared toward protecting the personal data of children under the age of 13. COPPA sets forth certain requirements for those who operate websites or online services geared toward children under 13, or those who have actual knowledge that they are collecting personal information from children under that age.
International and State Law Considerations
As noted above, these are just a few examples of laws and regulations that may apply to e-commerce and other online businesses. The internet allows businesses to significantly expand their reach in ways that were not previously possible. Thus, it’s important to remember that various state and international laws governing online consumer protection and data privacy may apply depending on where you operate your business.
Tips for Staying in Compliance with Online Business Law and E-Commerce Regulations
When it comes to operating an online business, navigating the myriad laws and regulations can feel overwhelming. Here are some tips to help you know where to begin so that you can better protect your business and your customers moving forward:
- Take note of applicable laws in all jurisdictions in which you operate, advertise, or store customer data.
- Implement and publish easily accessible terms and conditions and a transparent and comprehensive e-commerce privacy policy on your website that clearly informs customers about how you collect, use, and share their data.
- Only collect necessary data that is essential to your business operations.
- Offer customers the ability to opt in or out of certain choices regarding data collection and storage where possible.
- Invest in robust data protection strategies to help protect against data breaches and mitigate other legal risks.
- Conduct regular audits of your data collecting and handling practices to ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations.
Protecting your online business with 100% certainty is challenging, if not impossible. However, by implementing these best practices, you can better ensure legal compliance and customer trust as you grow and expand your business.
Frequently Asked Questions About E-Commerce Laws and Regulations for Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners
Do I Need to Post a Privacy Policy on My Website?
In short, it depends. Whether you need to post a privacy policy on your business’s website depends on the local laws and regulations where you operate your e-commerce business and where you serve your customers. That said, even if you are not legally obligated to do so, it’s always a good idea to have a public-facing privacy policy. The policy should clearly outline how your website operates, what information your business collects, how your company uses this information, and what measures are in place to protect consumer data.
How Do I Know What Laws Apply to My E-Commerce Business?
First and foremost, it is crucial to identify all jurisdictions where your business operates so that you can determine what local laws apply. This may include any locations where your business is physically located, where you have customers, where you market or advertise your goods and services, or where any data you collect is stored or processed. While this may seem tedious, taking the time to determine what laws and regulations apply to your e-commerce business operations is essential to your continued success moving forward.
What Are the Consequences of Not Complying with Consumer Protection and Data Privacy Laws?
Failure to comply with local consumer protection and data privacy laws can lead to substantial consequences such as fines and legal action against your business. However, even where there are no financial penalties or legal ramifications, failure to take necessary precautions can also lead to increased potential for data breaches, reputational damage, and loss of customer trust—which can be just as harmful for businesses of all sizes.
Disclaimer: Bizee and its affiliates do not provide tax, legal, or accounting advice. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, tax, legal, or accounting advice. You should consult your own tax, legal, and accounting advisors before engaging in any transaction.
