The implementation of global electronic commerce is proceeding much more ra
pidly than initially anticipated. By 2003-2005, electronic commerce revenue
is projected to total more than $1 trillion. The U. S. Department of Comme
rce's "The Emerging Digital Economy II" [1] provides a snapshot of how elec
tronic commerce and information technologies are being used by businesses o
f all sizes and from all sectors to create new goods and services. Electron
ic commerce is changing the fundamental relationship between buyers and sel
lers, producers and consumers. The role of government in providing a policy
framework deserves careful examination.