CONSUMER PROTECTION COMPLIANCE IN AGENT NEGOTIATED BUSINESS TO CONSUMER TRANSACTIONS

摘要

Much of the focus in the literature relating to the legalrnissues associated with intelligent software agents focusesrnon issues associated with the valid conclusion of contractsrninvolving the use of such agents. While contractualrnvalidity is of fundamental importance, suppliers andrnconsumers in any business to consumer transactionrntransacted in an e-commerce environment are alsornconcerned to establish what types of consumer protectionrnmeasures might be applicable in agent negotiated orrnmoderated transactions. Once that has been establishedrnboth consumers and suppliers need to understand therninteraction between the intelligent software agent and thernconsumer protection measures, particularly as thosernmeasures relate to obligations to supply information andrnthe entitlement of consumers to withdraw fromrncontractual arrangements. Only once that interaction hasrnbeen established with clarity can both consumers andrnsuppliers be certain as to their respective rights andrnliabilities in relation to both the concluded contract andrnthe consumer protection measures which are eitherrncontractually incorporated or deemed to apply to therncontract.