통신판매중개에 있어서 소비자보호

The advancement of information technology in recent years has transformed a great deal of traditional economic activities. In particular, as the internet has been widely spread over our society, electronic commerce using networks has been growing fast in our economy. The field of electronic commerce can be divided as 'internet shopping', 'internet intermediary' and 'internet contents' etc. Nowadays internet intermediary like 'internet auction' is getting more and more popular. Internet auction is regarded as a most successful e-business model. Until now, many studies have dealt with internet shopping.This study is mainly focused on the consumer protection in internet auction. In terms of consumer protection, internet auction has more problems than other areas. The damages and losses to consumer in internet auction mainly stem from the false information about seller and goods. As an effort to protect consumer in electronic commerce, international organizations and foreign countries have been working out for establishing or renewing relevant laws and regulations. Recently in Korea as more systematic legislation was required, "the Act on the Consumer Protection in Electronic Commerce (ACPEC)" was promulgated in 2001 and enforced from July 1, 2002.This paper deals with types of internet intermediary and the process of internet auction as the brokerage of mail-order sales. Main points at issue in ACPEC are 'right to withdraw an offer(§17)' and 'responsibility and duty of auctioneer(§20)'. Domestic infrastructure of e-business has been well established thanks to advanced computer and internet technologies. To take full advantage of such favorable environment, we need to make systematic legal frame which protects consumer in electronic commerce. It will ultimately help promote electronic commerce in Korea.