Software agents and virtual organisations: consent and trust

Abstract

The use of software agents in electronic commerce scenarios must be connected to the existence of corporate bodies and virtual organisations. Indeed, software agents tend to play a determinant role in corporate bodies and Virtual Enterprises (VEs). However, it must be considered that software agents' behaviours are not entirely foreseeable, since they are able to behave with good or bad faith. Thus, it is of utmost relevance to consider the issue of trust in software agents, both at the individual and systemic level. At the systemic level, it will be interesting to consider smart contracts, which may well enhance trust in electronic contracting.