We've looked at the obstacles getting in the way of electronic commerce in Japan, and also how some innovative companies are finding ways around those hurdles.
Today let's consider the government's role in helping to drive e-commerce forward.
However, international standards for such trading, including legal problems, have yet to be established. In a bid to fend off government regulation of electronic commerce and the Internet, top executives of 17 Internet, media and telecommunications companies launched an initiative to address such issues as consumer privacy, taxation and security. Top executives from a broad array of industries are getting together to set policies for the booming business of e-commerce. Time Warner chief Gerald Levin, America Online Chairman Steve Case and Bertelsmann CEO Thomas Middelhoff were among those present to announce the establishment of the Global Business Dialogue on E-Commerce.