Cognizant of the fact that we are now in an era of revolution and phenomenal changes, it is true, one may say, that the world has continually changing even the fundamental movement of transmitting thought, i.e., communication. An instance on this movement is the electronic commerce (eCommerce) which has evolved technically from telephone, fax, and other electronic form of media. Now, this business communication or eCommerce has changed with the breakthroughs of technology, thus, electronic then is considered to be the Internet.

While in many parts of the world, eCommerce is just starting, it has already reached sizeable proportions in developed countries like the United States. The internet has changed many ways of conducting business, as well as the buying of goods, and promises to further change the way of life for consumers and producers in the future.

As I work in the hospitality industry, I noticed that hotel chains and travel-related companies are claiming that since the last five years, eCommerce accounts for over a third of their gross revenue. However, eCommerce can theoretically be both threat and boon to any kind of business. If used wisely, eCommerce practices can theoretically improve the life of every individual. On the other hand, eCommerce may go beyond ethical yardstick of the community as a whole. Furthermore, eCommerce is not limited to physical boundaries and anyone may communicate in the convenience of his seat anytime while doing business with someone in any part of the world, and that is, being virtual.

Being virtual, the eCommerce environment brings out questions on ethical and legal matters.

On Legal Matters. Since eCommerce is virtual, there will be jurisdictional problems that may pop up. To whom an innocent internet user goes if he has a case with an ecriminal who happens to be in another part of the world? Even organizations like International Chamber of eCommerce and United Nations, though, both may release policies on eCommerce but the whole world that wallows on pleasure of the ease of internet may not be under their jurisdiction.

It is only within an organization or a nation that their respective policies and regulations on eCommerce are followed and implemented. The aforementioned case is just one of the possible problems that the world may encounter in the matter of eCommerce for its being virtual, anytime, and anywhere.

On Ethical Matters. As eCommerce is done and may be done by anyone, anywhere, anytime, there are possibilities for unscrupulous individuals who only crave for profit and wealth. No matter what they can and may do, as long as they can harvest richness from poor individuals especially the younger generations, they will push through with it without any ethical standards being followed. I may say that their products, an ‘etrash’ maybe, will surely be just at the tip of the fingers of their chase. Who would again prosecute these ecriminals? Who would again be the responsible for ‘etrash’? The church, government, society, or our conscience?

No matter if it is a legal or ethical problem that the world will face in the advent of eCommerce, nevertheless, it is better to anticipate potential problems than to react to them.

Having the Principle of Actuality in mind, as the eCommerce’ potentiality reaches its actuality; the world will again go back in the basics: probably, a wireless, electronic-less, but mental means of communication. The yogi scholars, the Dalai Lama, or Sri Sri Ravi Shankar may help anyone on the matter.

- Luis Zapanta

About the Author: Currently, the eCommerce Executive of Sheraton Doha Resort & Convention Hotel, Luis, finished an English course from the University of Sto. Tomas in Manila where he also finished an academic course for the degree, Master of Arts in Philosophy. He started his career in the hospitality industry in the year 2004 and from then on received numerous awards in the Sales & Marketing and eCommerce fields. Early this year, Luis, completed an eCommerce program from the University of the Philippines Open University and continuously enhances and develops his skills through trainings and seminars.