Information technology experts have urged authorities to implement new laws governing the practices of e-commerce, as legal questions remain over online transactions.

Ei Maung, a Rangoon-based web developer and IT expert, told DVB that laws regulating e-commerce, or online trading activities, are necessary to prevent scams and other disputes as online shopping gains popularity amongst Burmese.

“There are various issues surrounding online businesses in Burma due to a lack of legal frameworks on e-commerce. Once necessary laws are adopted, online businesses can be officially recognised and operators made aware of terms and conditions, regulations and service-layer agreements, and I think that will solve the problems to some extent,” said Ei Maung.

“At the moment, everyone is playing by ear without a legal framework, which makes disputes likely,” he said.

Zaw Zaw Myo Lwin, CEO of Yangon Heartz Media and Business Solution, said efficient online transaction procedures should also be implemented to allow e-commerce to thrive.

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“We have to at least provide a decent cash-on-delivery service, a platform for online payment, otherwise there will be scams in money transfer transactions or when making expensive online purchases, such as for an iPhone – the more expensive the item is, the greater the risk is of being scammed, for both buyers and dealers,” said Zaw Zaw Myo Lwin.

“We need a stable platform and payment system for credible e-commerce activities,” he added.

The Myanmar Payment Union (MPU), the national payment network introduced by the Central Bank of Myanmar, has been gaining popularity among Burmese bank users in recent years. However, the MPU’s CEO Zaw Lin Htut said that in order to ensure efficient e-commerce activities, customer education about online transactions is necessary.