Increasing consumer confidence in the new information and communication technologies is a critical task. The United States continues to exchange views with the EU on how best to empower and educate consumers. We are focusing on prevention of problems as well as fast, inexpensive resolution of problems that do occur. We are encouraging stakeholders to develop fair and effective codes of online conduct and alternative dispute resolution programs that will be understandable and accessible on both sides of the Atlantic. Within the past six months, the United States and the EU have held several joint workshops on consumer protection and ADR issues.
Privacy protection remains a high priority.
After concluding negotiation of the Safe Harbor principles to protect personnel data that is transferred from the EU to the United States, the United States, in cooperation with the EU, has moved expeditiously to implement the arrangement. We will monitor closely the development of the Safe Harbor program as well as the data protection directive in Europe. Recognizing the potential of technology to improve government communication with citizens and streamline delivery of services, both the United States and EU are placing emphasis on development of e-government initiatives. This secure and confidential database would serve as a tool for law enforcement officers to spot and prosecute cross-border fraud. We already have started cooperation on fraud detection.