Recently, the flea market app ‘Mercari’ introduced a feature that allows users to copy and paste product descriptions, which has sparked mixed reactions. This feature enables sellers to easily copy other users’ product descriptions and use them for their own listings. While this feature may seem convenient, it raises numerous legal and ethical issues considering copyright law and the rights of individual users.
Firstly, unauthorized copying of product descriptions, which could be protected as literary works, may constitute copyright infringement. Although Mercari explains that this feature is implemented based on their terms of service, the legal validity of freely using user-created content as outlined in the terms is still questionable. Especially, descriptions that have been enhanced through creative efforts could infringe on the original creator’s rights when copied directly.
Moreover, this could undermine fair transactions among users. The efforts of users who have invested time to create unique descriptions could be easily exploited by others, which diminishes the environment that encourages creative effort. Additionally, if the content of a description is applied to different products, it could lead to the circulation of misleading information, which is problematic from a consumer protection standpoint.
User reactions to this feature are mixed; some find it convenient, while others feel that it infringes on their efforts. Mercari has shown a willingness to accept user feedback and improve the feature, but this issue indicates that it requires ethical discussions beyond mere technical improvements.
With the advancement of generative AI and automation, similar issues may continue to arise. Consequently, platforms are required to offer services that consider not only technological convenience but also fairness among users and legal frameworks. The case of Mercari highlights the contemporary issues at the intersection of technology and ethics.
