Third Party Assurance for Consumers in Electronic Commerce

Organization

Consumers’ Association of Canada (CAC)

Published

2000

Summary

This report examines two main groupings of third party electronic marketplace assurance programs: "trustmark" or "web seal" programs (for example, BBBOnLine, Web Trust and TRUSTe), and industry associations of "direct marketers" (for example the Canadian Marketing Association). The study consists of the following sections: 1) an analysis, both in essay and chart form, of protection and promises offered by third party assurance providers; 2) a study of the Canadian Marketing Association and how its voluntary code measures up against the Canadian Framework; 3) research on available voluntary mechanisms to address consumer interests; and 4) an exploration of how security operates to guard Internet communication and data. The study encourages consumers to become more aware of risks and responsibilities associated with e-commerce.

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Source: Consumer Policy Research Database