A successful commercial transaction requires that the people involved know that a contract exists, have a clear idea of what to expect from one another and understand what they can do to enforce the contract. In addition, all parties to a transaction must trust that the origin and content of online information is authentic and that the credentials and identity of the involved parties can be verified. These same certainties are required for commercial transactions conducted online. To foster Global Electronic Commerce, governments must accept a common set of legal principles. The principles should clarify which jjurisdiction has authority, which laws (including libel, advertising regulations and consumer protection) apply and which mechanisms will be used to resolve disputes.

Global Electronic Commerce may well be the greatest innovation and resource since the telephone.
Lewis E. Platt, Hewlett-Packard Company

The information technology industry is committed to providing solutions that will enable consumers and businesses to take full advantage of the benefits that Global Electronic Commerce will bring – improved service, enhanced productivity, and reduced costs.
Lawrence A. Weinbach, Unisys Corporation