DTI eyes development of e-commerce trustmark

MANILA, Philippines — “The trustmark shall signify that the products, goods or services sold online can be trustworthy, provided that symbol, image, or badge issued or awarded are accredited by the concerned agencies.”

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is looking to develop an e-commerce trustmark as part of the government’s initiatives to protect consumers from fraudsters and scammers.

 The development of an e-commerce Philippine trustmark to inform consumers that the goods or services sold online can be trustworthy is among the provisions in the draft implementing rules and regulations of Republic Act 11967 or the Internet Transactions Act (ITA).

 “To provide assurance of safety and security in internet transactions, the DTI shall encourage the development of an e-commerce Philippine trustmark, which may be established and operated by an industry-led private sector governance body,” the DTI said in the draft implementing rules and regulations (IRR).

“The trustmark shall signify that the products, goods or services sold online can be trustworthy, provided that symbol, image, or badge issued or awarded are accredited by the concerned agencies,” it added. 

The DTI said trustmark will operate as a co-regulation mechanism and is subject to guidelines, rules, or regulations.

 The trade department said it will issue the minimum requirements and operation criteria for the industry-led private sector governance body or bodies.

 “The DTI may offer benefits, incentives, such as the attenuation of sanctions, facilitation of registration/accreditation, or recognition to entities displaying the trustmark, encouraging compliance with standards, and fostering a culture of trust in e-commerce,” the trade department said.

It added that the governance body’s responsibilities will include setting minimum criteria, designing the trustmark, overseeing compliance with established standards, and providing an alternative dispute resolution system in the case of non-compliance. 

The DTI said it would create an e-commerce promotion council to establish a co-regulatory mechanism through the issuance of separate rules. 

Signed by President Marcos last December, the ITA aims to