DTI warns to blacklist erring online sellers

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is now empowered to enforce stricter compliance and impose potential liabilities on digital platforms and online sellers, whether local or foreign, following the full enforcement of the law aimed at strengthening safety measures in the e-commerce space.

- BY DEXTER BARRO II

In a statement, the DTI confirmed that Republic Act (RA) No. 11967 or the Internet Transactions Act (ITA) is now in full effect after the end of its transitory period on Friday, June 20.

Enacted in December 2023, the law established an 18-month transition period to provide all affected online merchants, e-retailers, e-marketplaces, and digital platforms sufficient time to comply.

This covers both domestic and foreign entities that sell on the Philippine market and have a legal presence in the country.

With its full implementation underway, the DTI stated that this will empower the agency to issue takedown orders against online listings for illicit goods or services.

Online platforms will be held solidarily liable alongside sellers if they fail to act on the illegal activities.