Uncertainties related to information security and the protection of sensitive data are the most important trust problems that businesses face when using B2B e-marketplaces. These are the main findings of a consultation by the European Commission on trust barriers for e-business platforms.

In response to three questionnaires issued in March, the Commission received 103 answers. Of these, 62% came from associations or chambers of commerce, 27% from e-marketplace operators and 11% from trust operators and e-business platforms. Some respondents were from countries outside the EU, including the US, Lithuania, Iran and Israel.

The majority of the respondents identified the protection of confidentiality of sensitive data (59.4%) and the security of information systems (57.8%) as the main trust barriers for the use of e-marketplaces.

Other concerns included a lack of clear information on the terms and conditions of contracts such as applicable law and jurisdiction, and uncertainties related to the settlement of disputes and on-line payments.

Many of the respondents also found that lack of information on the different steps for the conclusion of a contract, or about the identity of the companies is a problem.

A further concern was related to the role of the Commission in the self-regulatory process. The view of the respondents was that the development of codes of conduct should be the exclusive responsibility of businesses and should not be subject to efforts of "regulating self-regulation." Such codes, according to the responses, should mainly address information security and contract issues.

The "Trust barriers for B2B e-marketplaces" results document is available from:
http://europa.eu.int/comm/enterprise/ict/policy/b2b-consultation/b2b-trust-cons-sum.pdf

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