However, the Alliance expects to present to the Department of Commerce a more detailed piece on enforcement of self-regulation when the Alliance completes its work. These documents reflect a beginning. The Alliance members are committed to continuing their work on these issues to make robust self-regulation viable. The Internet is poised to become an explosive economic growth opportunity that will redefine global commerce in the information age. That growth cannot and will not occur without consumer confidence.
Privacy is one of the cornerstones of consumer confidence in the Internet.
Over the past several months numerous companies and associations have worked to create policies and practices that can make privacy a reality for everyone on the Internet. These companies and associations, the Online Privacy Alliance, are pleased to release the attached documents. First is the Mission Statement describing the goals of the Online Privacy Alliance, second are the Guidelines for Privacy Policies that will be adopted by all Online Privacy Alliance members, third are the Principles for Children s Online Activities, and fourth is a Statement on Enforcement of Self-Regulation. The Online Privacy Alliance has worked diligently to come up with policies that can be applied across many industry sectors. Although it is not always easy to reach agreement in such a diverse group, when the agreement is forged everyone has a clear understanding of the responsibilities they are agreeing to undertake.