Legal complexity

The challenge for Argos is to ensure that all data and all products provided on its website are not against the law and that the company functions in accordance with the following governmental laws and acts:

Sale of Good and service Act 1982 regulates English contract law and UK commercial law in respect of goods that are sold and bought. According to this Act the goods must meet standards of satisfactory quality as described on its packaging. This Act impacts all businesses in a way that marketing of the product must be trustworthy and precise in case of necessity to substantiate any claims.

Data Protection Act 1988 protects consumers from unconscientious use of their personal information and influences all online-based businesses that keep a database of customer information. Customer’s information must be used only for business purposes connected to his order, destroyed when no longer necessary, processed in line with consumer’s rights and protected from transfer to an area outside the European Economic Area. Argos obtains a lot of data from its customers since Argos has a delivery system and the online shopping facility. When purchasing Argos products online, customers provide their personal data such as name, address and bank account, and Argos is obliged legally to follow this Act of keeping the information confidential and not misusing it.

Distant Selling Regulations 2000 EU involves distance selling of goods where there is no verbal contact between the customer and the company, which requires provision of clear, precise and detailed information about the customer’s purchases.

E-commerce regulation 2002 applies to contracts established by electronic means over distance whereby the buyer is a consumer. This legislation supports consumers’ rights which the seller is obliged to fulfill. Confirmation of the order by electronic means must pass without delays, and information on how to correct any mistakes must be provided. Before the contract is produced, the seller must state in a clear and coherent way all mechanical steps involved in making an order. Terms and conditions under which the contract is concluded must be made available to the consumer along with an option of reproduction and storage.

Copyright Design & Patents Act 1988 of the Parliament of the U.K establishes that copyright in most works lasts until 70 years after the death of the creator if known. This particular Act may not straightforwardly effect or influence Argos’ consumers. Having said that, Copyright, Designs and Patents Act can be applied to Argos’s manufacturers, brands introduced at Argos and suppliers, whose work must be secured from copying and stealing.

Advertising Standards Association 2011

According to ASA businesses must operate within the legal framework, protect customers from misleading claims and create an even ground for advertisers. Following the principles of this code advertising cannot be illegal, dishonest and untruthful. Advertising in business organisations should be done with a sense of responsibility to both the consumer and the society and any production of misleading or offending adverts is illegal. The ASA's remit defends claims that arise on a company's website, claims that occur in paid-for spaces on the Internet, including pop up ads, banner ads and sponsored links.

Digital Economy Act 2010 regulates digital media, forbids software piracy and to empowers the Office of Communications to deal with piracy. The law also deals with regulations related to technology and television.

Дата добавления: 2015-10-30