On this, I think the GBDe is on the right track by calling for transparent practices. But I think industry needs to commit to enforcing privacy protections based on fair information practice principles and with means for consumer redress. If we do all this successfully, it can be used as a model for self-regulation in other markets around the world. There are two other key areas where we need to see progress, also. First is consumer protection, and second, is taxes and tariffs.
Consumer protection involves many elements.
All this boils down to consumer confidence. If e-businesses cannot come up with the right answers, I am confident that consumers will shop at the mall and not on the Net. And that, would be a sorry day. Industry needs to develop effective consumer protection practices, and set a floor, or minimum standards. In the end, a quality seal could be pasted on websites that are safe for consumers to use.