E-Commerce and Ethical Web Design: Applying the BBBOnline Guidelines on Malaysian Websites

Husnayati Hussin, Mohd Adam Suhaimi, and Maram Mustafa

Department of Information Systems, International Islamic University, Malaysia

Abstract: The aim of this study is to find out to what extent Malaysian companies incorporate trustworthy elements on their websites. The study provides a detail website evaluation based on the principles for ethical online business provided by the BBBOnline guidelines. The five principles used as an evaluation instrument are: (1) Truthful and accurate communication, (2) Disclosure, (3) Information practices and security, (4) Customer satisfaction, and (5) Protecting children. The study selected ten Malaysian-based companies which adopt e-commerce as part of their business. The findings of the study indicate that some principles are well-adhered to, while others need more attention.

Keywords: E-commerce, ethics and e-commerce, web analysis, seal program, trust.

Received January 26, 2004; accepted October 18, 2004