Businesses are much better equipped to handle consumer security and can also better understand how to protect their Web sites and transactions. It is also almost impossible for legislators to introduce and pass legislation that would keep up with changing technology. There has been talk to promote industry self-regulation by establishing safe harbor provisions that encourage companies to comply or face up to the consequences. Several members of Congress also want to possibly establish a commission that would oversee the implementation of self-regulation at the industry and government level. One drawback to allowing businesses to regulate themselves on the Internet is evident.
Businesses benefit by violating the privacy of the consumer.
They gain by selling private information about customers to others that are willing to pay for it. There has also been heated discussion about federal and state legislation. Some corporations are voicing that they would rather have one uniform law instead of being forced to comply with many differing state laws. Some states would be stricter on issues than others. Many consumers and privacy groups are pushing for federal legislation.