Much of the world now has embraced democracy to one degree or another and leaders are voted in. But how that democracy works varies a great deal. Costs are generally controlled by the laws of supply and demand. If there is a small supply and a huge demand, prices are high. If there is a massive supply but not much demand, prices are low.
Technology allows prices to follow supply and demand more closely than ever before.
This is done because vendors can monitor buying habits in real time and price accordingly. In addition, electronic auctions are becoming an increasingly popular e-commerce tool. And an auction is surely the best tool for pricing according to supply and demand. Regarding changes that need to be made, I would say yes. Electronic commerce is still very, very new.