Ethical Issues and E-Commerce

In November 2011, the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency seized 150 Web sites accused of selling counterfeit merchandise. Attorney General Eric Holder warned that counterfeit merchandise not only affects American innovation but can also be hazardous to a person’s health and that the profits can be used to fund organized crime. The federal government has recently stepped up efforts to enforce laws associated with e-commerce such as copyright laws. The rise of e-commerce presents some interesting legal and ethical issues such as the fact that it is illegal to sell counterfeit merchandise, but such laws are often only lightly enforced.

Using the module readings, the Argosy University online library resources, and the Internet, conduct research regarding ethical issues and e-commerce.

Respond to the following:

• 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.

Write your initial response in approximately 300 words. Apply APA standards to citation of sources.

By Saturday, July 27, 2013, post your response to the appropriate Discussion Area. Through Wednesday, July 31, 2013, review and comment on at least two peers’ responses. Consider the following:

• Look for new angles on their analysis that have not yet been discussed and/or provide an opposing viewpoint with justification.