Section 1. Findings
The Congress finds the following:
(1) E-commerce has become an increasingly important part of the American economy.
(2) Consumers have a right to accurate and transparent information about the products they purchase online.
(3) Current laws do not adequately protect consumers from misleading or deceptive e-commerce practices.
Section 2. Definitions
In this Act:
(1) The term “e-commerce” means the buying and selling of goods or services over the Internet.
(2) The term “seller” means any person or entity that sells goods or services through e-commerce.
Section 3. Transparency Requirements
(a) In general.–A seller shall disclose the following information to consumers before they purchase a product through e-commerce:
(1) The price of the product.
(2) Any shipping or handling charges.
(3) Any taxes or other fees that may be imposed on the purchase.
(4) The seller’s return policy.
(5) Any other information that is material to the consumer’s decision to purchase the product.
(b) Enforcement.–The Federal Trade Commission shall enforce this section.
Section 4. Civil Remedies
(a) In general.–A person who violates this Act shall be liable to the consumer for any actual damages, plus reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs.
(b) Class actions.–A class action may be brought to enforce this Act.
Section 5. Severability
If any provision of this Act is held to be invalid, the remainder of this Act shall remain in full force and effect.
Section 6. Effective Date
This Act shall take effect 180 days after the date of its enactment.
This act would require e-commerce sellers to disclose more information to consumers before they make a purchase. This information would include the price of the product, shipping and handling charges, taxes, the seller’s return policy, and any other information that is material to the consumer’s decision to purchase the product. The Federal Trade Commission would be responsible for enforcing this act. Consumers who are harmed by a violation of this act would be able to sue for damages.
This act would help to protect consumers from misleading or deceptive e-commerce practices. It would also give consumers more information to make informed decisions about their purchases.