Intro

The Internet and new information technologies present immense opportunities for today’s businesses. Despite the numerous possibilities that are connected with e-businesses, there is also a substantial number of cyber-related issues enabled by these technologies and electronic modes of communication. The digital age introduces a whole new range of cybercrimes that did not afflict traditional business. No information communicated in the online environment is one hundred present secure, which is furthered by problems that define a whole new language, from computer hackers to spyware to the use of “cookies,” and the associated legal parameters. The existing body of law is constantly evolving to meet the demands of the changing technologies, so it is essential that every e-business owner be aware of the current legislation governing their online modus operandi. A business, such as the proposed social networking site, needs to be aware of its rights and responsibilities and therefore this paper serves as a guide to many of the potential risks and legal issues that accompany partaking in the online system of business. More specifically, issues related to copyright, trademarks, patents, trade secrets, defamation, jurisdiction, online contracting, and privacy will be examined so that the proposed social networking site can be informed and implement these foundational legal measures into it e-business plan.