Which of the following best describes e-commerce?

E-commerce is best described as internet-based business activities. This definition encompasses a wide range of transactions that occur online, involving the buying and selling of goods and services, as well as the transfer of data over the internet. The essence of e-commerce lies in its use of digital platforms to facilitate commercial exchanges, which can include everything from online retail stores to digital marketplaces and service providers.

Understanding e-commerce as internet-based activities highlights its reliance on technology and the digital environment, distinguishing it from traditional retail models and other forms of commerce that do not involve the internet. This distinction is crucial, especially in a world increasingly leaning towards online interactions and transactions due to convenience, wider reach, and efficiency. In contrast, the other options focus on physical or localized methods of commerce, which do not capture the essence of e-commerce as accurately as the chosen definition.