And if it stops moving, subsidize it. Given the tremendous benefits that typically flow from a private-sector, market economy, government intervention in this market place should be undertaken only when it is clearly necessary. Unfortunately, it is also a new and fertile field for those who prey on consumers and small businesses with scams, deceit and outright thievery. Users of the Internet must be accountable and bear some level of responsibility for their actions. If market forces fail to correct illegal and unacceptable practices, government action is very likely warranted.
Individual responsibility is also a requirement.
Government can play a positive role for small businesses and consumers by providing knowledge and also by appropriate and rational attempts to minimize deception, unfairness and misleading practices on the Internet. The FTC's traditional law enforcement role against deceptive or unfair practices is one way for government to intervene. As with most web sites, Geocities collects information from visitors. Regrettably, Geocities allegedly failed to follow its own privacy policy and is alleged to have shared this information with third parties for purposes such as target marketing. The Commission took appropriate legal action against Geocities and recently settled the alleged violation of consumer protection laws, namely, deceptive and unfair practices in its business dealings with consumers.