Government Services and Information Electronic commerce enables governments to provide services to their citizens, and to make their own purchases, in a more effective and efficient manner. Governments can also contribute to the development of the information economy by acting as role models and market catalysts. Business and user confidence will be enhanced by effective government use of electronic procurement and payments systems. The United Kingdom and the United States will cooperate in developing innovative methods for the provision of government services through the use of electronic commerce. Information Security Effective information security, including the security of transactions and payments, is essential for the development of electronic commerce, and should be implemented in a manner consistent with business needs and public safety.
Information infrastructures are critical to public safety and national economic well-being.
The OECD Guidelines for the Security of Information Systems should be the basis for national approaches to information security. Governments should provide advice on threats, vulnerabilities, and appropriate security responses to ensure that critical information infrastructures are protected. Electronic Payments Developments in this area should recognize the importance of private sector leadership, and should promote both a competitive market for, and user confidence in electronic payment systems. Intellectual Property Rights Growth of electronic commerce depends on the adequate protection of intellectual property rights including industrial property rights and copyright. The protection of copyright will be assisted by the prompt signing, ratification, and implementation of the WIPO Copyright Treaty and the WIPO Performances and Phonograms Treaty.