This is particularly true where businesses seek to restrict important rights, such as the application of the laws of the consumer's home State, access to the courts of that State, or the ability even to initiate litigation as a method of dispute resolution. We look forward to discussing many of these matters at the Commission's Workshop regarding the application of its rules and guides to new forms of media on May 14, 1999. Another issue of concern to the State Attorneys General is how best to protect consumers against threats to their privacy while online, including identity theft . Recent surveys demonstrate that consumer concern about online privacy may actually be hampering the continued growth of this new marketplace. Recent controversies surrounding the information collection practices of certain hardware and software manufacturers may well drive these numbers even higher.
Identity theft presents a related problem.
The explosive growth of online commerce has created a need for new mechanisms to ensure the authenticity of one's identity. However, in the absence of widely accepted standards for digital signatures, personal information has been used as proof of identity. This trend, coupled with the widespread availability of high-speed computers, powerful databases, and the Internet, may make possible a dramatic increase in the incidence of identity theft crimes. Some important steps have already been taken to address these privacy-related issues. We were pleased by the inclusion of a specific cause of action for State Attorneys General to enforce the provisions of the Act and the Commission's regulations.