That's why we support pro-competitive liberalization of telecommunications policy throughout the hemisphere that results in affordable pricing for Internet access to all end users. Third, we must support and promote strong and fair protection for intellectual property rights. In some parts of the Western Hemisphere, we have made great strides in balancing the rights and obligations of content owners and online distributors. An extension of this balance of protections in more countries, to more people, will power local cultural industries and will bring a new creative spirit to the Spanish and Portuguese-speaking communities worldwide. Fourth, we must continue to improve levels of consumer confidence.
Online users continue to be concerned about their privacy and the security of their online data.
Industry leaders, such as those represented in the Global Business Dialogue on Electronic Commerce, recognize that our online business depends on the confidence of consumers. We have adopted world class data collection and protection practices, and are working collaboratively with governments to ensure that consumer concerns are being appropriately addressed. Lowering trade barriers, allowing for free flow of information, goods and services, will fulfill both of these goals. Finally, closely related to our core democratic values, we must work together to meet the challenge of bridging the so-called digital divide. This is a serious issue, and one that we must address in order to assure that no nation, and no community, is left behind.