Individuals should have the right to exercise reasonable control over the collection and use of their personal data - online or otherwise. Without the right to choose the nature and scope of personal data protection in online transactions, individuals will be reluctant to take full advantage of Global Electronic Commerce. Industry is therefore developing appropriate technological solutions and codes of conduct to protect personal data on the Internet and other private and public networks. These market-led initiatives are the best means for empowering individuals to enforce their personal privacy choices. Government regulation, if not carefully focused, can lead to unneeded and unhelpful restrictions on beneficial exchanges of information.

The Internet is quickly becoming the place for commerce, information and entertainment …not just a conduit, but rather, an essential destination in itself. It is a new market space that’s forcing every business to reinvent itself to do Internet-based commerce.
Eckhard Pfeiffer, Compaq Computer Corporation

Commerce on the Internet is more efficient, cheaper and faster. But we need to change our regulations in the area of privacy. Consumers must feel safe using a credit card in Internet transactions.
Edward R. McCracken, Silicon Graphics, Inc.