A new law governing the sale of goods over the Internet has been passed by the State of California, designed to help to protect consumers. The law – the first of its kind – states that on-line vendors can’t accept payment from consumers unless they disclose through electronic mail or their Web site their refund policies, addresses, and contact information so that customers can complain if they need to. On-line vendors have also been made liable if they fail to ship products or give refunds in the time frame they promise. Violators can receive up to six months in jail or a fine of up to $1,000. The law went into effect on January 1st, and is being hailed as a logical step in building consumer confidence in Web transactions. Other States may follow suit.
