Obviously, on certain issues such as pornography and children's access to adult material, our government is concerned. But even here, we are looking to industry to self-regulate and to develop technological tools that parents and Internet service providers, not the government, can use to filter out material inappropriate for children. These provisions have already been challenged in court and it is quite likely that some or all of the provisions will be declared unconstitutional. In the United States, we are also witnessing voluntary, self-regulation of the Internet by the private sector to deal with the issue of fraud and consumer protection. And we need your help protecting privacy.
Electronic commerce raises serious privacy concerns for consumers.
My agency, NTIA, has been working on the policy issues raised by such privacy concerns. As more information is generated and stored electronically, and as more individuals have the capability to access it, the protection of privacy of information about ourselves is increasingly important. Thousands of consumers have complained to the company upon learning of this practice. These mouse droppings are valuable to suppliers and manufacturers who can market their products directly to these individuals. Several on-line companies already track and sell information derived from mouse droppings.