E-Commerce and Social Media Policies in the Digital Age: Legal Analysis and Recommendations for Management

Technological developments, innovations, and e-commerce complexities have made it a requirement for human resources professionals in today’s digital workplace to become aware of modern laws regulating their workplace data handing procedures, while also making sure the entire organization is compliant. This paper provides a historical review of e-commerce laws, challenges, and how these are impacting the modern workplace’s privacy issues related to employees and consumers. Next, the paper explores the concept of sectoral policies in the United States. Finally, the paper examines and assesses the necessity of regulations currently in place as well as future legal needs. The conclusion is that as the internet matures and private sector procedures become standardized, there will be a need for more regulations for each sector of industry to protect the privacy of employees, along with the confidentiality of consumers’ data. Sound regulations will create clarity, certainty, and consistency in expectations and procedures, thereby reducing employee stress and voluntary turnover as well as avoiding legal problems.