The following questions highlight seven policy issues that the CEOs of top American computer companies believe will have a significant effect on the success of Global Electronic Commerce. These issues are complex, requiring solutions that must be harmonized at the local, national and international level.

Can I really get on the Internet quickly, cheaply and easily and do business with companies around the world?
(Issue: Access to the Infrastructure and Marketspace)

What kind of taxes will I pay on electronic commerce?
(Issue: Tax Neutrality)

How will my online transaction be legally protected?
(Issue: Legal Framework)

Can my credit card or other sensitive information exchanged over a global network be intercepted?
(Issue: Security and Encryption)

Can the company I do business with use information about me from the online interaction for other purposes without my permission?
(Issue: Privacy)

Should there be limits on what can be sent over the Internet?
(Issue: Content)

If I distribute original, creative work over the Internet, is it protected by copyright law?
(Issue: Copyright)

The fundamental elements of commerce remain the same with Global Electronic Commerce: buyers and sellers seek each other out, assess the value of products and services and exchange money for goods and services. The difference is that Global Electronic Commerce, by providing access to more information and better communications, empowers buyers and sellers, makes the markets more dynamic and precise, and enhances competition.

The cost per transaction for financial institutions ranges from $1.08 at the bank branch to $0.54 over the phone, $0.26 with PC software and $0.13 over the Internet.
[Booz Allen Hamilton]

It is estimated that one new Internet address is created every four seconds.
[Gartner Group]

Nearly 1/3 of U.S. small businesses have Internet access, and another 10% are likely to link up within the next year.
[American City Business Journals]