The Internet Transactions Act of 2023 (Republic Act 11967) has come into complete enforcement after the conclusion of its 18-month transitional phase on June 20, as stated by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
The legislation empowers the DTI to order the removal of online postings related to unlawful products and services. Additionally, it makes digital platform proprietors responsible for infringements when they do not address criminal actions on their sites.
The transitional phase enabled every involved online merchant, electronic retailer, e-commerce platform, and digital marketplace to adhere to the provisions set forth by the legislation.
" Our aim is to provide every Filipino shopper with peace of mind when buying online, while making sure that genuine local business owners and small enterprises are safeguarded against unjust competition and illegal activities," stated Trade Secretary Cristina Roque.
RA 11967 mandates that all electronic marketplaces, online retailers, and digital sellers must provide detailed information about their products and services. This includes disclosing prices, brand names, descriptions, conditions of items, as well as the seller’s contact information. These platforms also have to implement user-friendly, secure payment methods, effective complaint resolution processes, and adhere strictly to robust data protection regulations.
To guarantee adherence, the DTI’s E-Commerce Bureau can hand out subpoenas to require people and companies being investigated to submit pertinent papers. Nonetheless, the organization stated it will work together with other oversight entities that hold main authority over particular products or services.
The legislation is backed by Joint Administrative Order 24-03 along with its Implementing Rules and Regulations, which were released on May 24, 2024. This order was crafted through the joint efforts of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) together with the Departments of Information and Communications Technology, Agriculture, Health, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, and the National Privacy Commission.
The DTI mentioned they are working on a Philippine E-Commerce Trustmark, which will serve as an emblem of reliability awarded to online enterprises that meet the standards and can be trusted.