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Consumer Protection in Cyber Space and the Ethics of Stewardship

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  • Theresa E. Miedema

    (Trinity College in the University of Toronto)

Abstract

This paper explores how consumer protection is evolving in the information-communications technology (ICT) sector. Traditionally, consumer protection law regimes are vertical in design and somewhat paternalistic in attitude. Requirements are imposed by governmental agencies on providers of goods and services with a view to protecting consumers. In many cases, consumers are not actively engaged by regulatory regimes in their own protection and may not be able to contract out of provisions designed for their protection. In the context of internet-based activities, however, a paradigm shift is necessary to protect not only the individual consumer but the wider network of consumers using the internet. This paper explores what consumer protection should look like in our hyper-connected, online world. Its central argument is that a new sort of model is necessary for consumer protection in the ICT sector. In the context of internet-based activities, regulators must engage consumers on a horizontal level as co-stewards of the internet. This involves more than just education about the risks of malware and online scams. The consumer protection framework must draw consumers into its structure as proactive agents working collaboratively with government, internet service providers, and other stakeholders to promote cyber security.

Suggested Citation

  • Theresa E. Miedema, 2018. "Consumer Protection in Cyber Space and the Ethics of Stewardship," Journal of Consumer Policy, Springer, vol. 41(1), pages 55-75, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:jcopol:v:41:y:2018:i:1:d:10.1007_s10603-017-9364-x
    DOI: 10.1007/s10603-017-9364-x
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Gretchen Larsen & Rob Lawson, 2013. "Consumer Rights: An Assessment of Justice," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 112(3), pages 515-528, February.
    2. Robert Caruana & Andreas Chatzidakis, 2014. "Consumer Social Responsibility (CnSR): Toward a Multi-Level, Multi-Agent Conceptualization of the “Other CSR”," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 121(4), pages 577-592, June.
    3. Scott Vitell, 2015. "A Case for Consumer Social Responsibility (CnSR): Including a Selected Review of Consumer Ethics/Social Responsibility Research," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 130(4), pages 767-774, September.
    4. Oecd, 2012. "Proactive Policy Measures by Internet Service Providers against Botnets," OECD Digital Economy Papers 199, OECD Publishing.
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