a. Digital Platforms, Online Consumers and Merchants

Digital Platforms, Online Consumers, and Merchants under Republic Act No. 11967

Under Republic Act No. 11967, digital platforms refer to information and communication technology-enabled mechanisms that connect and integrate producers and users in online environments where goods and services are requested, developed, and sold, and data is generated and exchanged, including e-marketplaces, mobile application platforms, online delivery platforms, social media platforms, and travel platforms¹. An e-marketplace is a digital platform whose business is to connect online consumers with online merchants, facilitate the shipment of goods or provide logistics services and post-purchase support, and retain oversight over the consummation of the transaction¹. In contrast, an e-retailer sells goods or services directly to online consumers through its own website, webpage, or application¹.

Internet transactions in e-commerce are classified based on the transacting parties:

• Business-to-business transactions: internet transactions between businesses, whether natural or juridical persons¹.
• Business-to-consumer transactions: internet transactions between businesses and end-users¹.
• Consumer-to-consumer transactions: transactions between end-users done for personal, family, or household purposes and not in the ordinary course of business¹.

To safeguard transactions and maintain regulatory oversight, the designated Bureau is mandated to exert efforts to enforce the registration of digital platforms and online merchants, consistent with the data privacy principles of minimization and proportionality². The Bureau is also required to establish a database of digital platforms, e-marketplaces, e-retailers, and online merchants within one year from the effectivity of the Act to provide the government and online consumers with access to the contact information of online businesses³. In addition, the Bureau possesses the authority to receive and refer business and consumer complaints on internet transactions, and to investigate violations motu proprio and recommend the filing of appropriate cases².