Lack of legal advice means on-line risks for businessE-COMMERCE: many companies could be breaking the lawSolicitors need to step up the level of advice given to businesses dealing in e-commerce, as more than half could be breaking the law, according to research unveiled this week.The warning came after London law firm Manches and the London Chamber of Commerce questioned 300 businesses, and found that just 4% of them look to a lawyer when getting in on the Internet revolution, compared to the 83% that consulted a Web site design company.

Around 50% of all businesses are trading on the Internet, and the research mirrors findings by the Office of Fair Trading in showing that more than half of these are failing to comply with even the most basic regulatory requirements.Manches partner Christopher Owen said the survey demonstrated a worrying level of complacency.

The most dangerous implications were breaches of the Data Protection Act and misuse of e-mail by staff, which can happen even if the firm has taken proper advice and complies with all regulations.

Last year an intimate e-mail sent by a solicitor was copied to millions of people across the world.

Mr Owen said the incident had caused huge embarrassment and damaged the image of the firm.The research suggested that it simply does not occur to most businesses to seek legal advice when setting up a Web site or engaging in other on-line activities.Mr Owen said: It is up to us to try and educate our clients about the dangers of trading outside those regulations.

We should be saying to people: Let us carry out a legal audit of your Web site.Paula Rohan