§ Angela SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the impact on small businesses of fraudulent Internet transactions. [101323]
§ Ms HewittEncouraging small businesses to use the Internet is a key part of the Government's commitment to making the UK the best place for e-commerce by 2002. We will monitor closely issues such as Internet fraud which may affect them.
The Government are working with the industry and consumers groups, in consultation with the OFT to develop a new body called TrustUK to accredit e-commerce codes and a "hallmark" that accredited codes may use on their websites. TrustUK will be operational by early next year.
The Electronic Communications Bill promotes high quality cryptography services which will allow people to have more confidence about whom they are dealing with on the Internet and to protect the confidentiality of data (e.g. payment details). The Government welcome the proposals by the Alliance for Electronic Business to meet the objectives of Part I of the Bill and ensure the appropriate standards for such services through accreditation under its T-scheme.
§ Angela SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what advice his Department has issued to consumers regarding security of financial details when shopping on the Internet. [101324]
§ Ms HewittThe Department has published general advice on its website (http://www2.dti.gov.uk/cacp/ca/supply2.htm) about the precautions consumers should take when they shop on-line. This includes checking that businesses offer secure payment facilities.
DTI's Consumer Gateway (http://www.consumer.gov.uk) provides links to a range of consumer websites, including ones such as that run by the Office of Fair Trading, which offer detailed advice about shopping electronically.