The major issues raised by e-commerce can be loosely categorized into four major
dimensions:
• Information rights—What rights do individuals have to control their own personal
information when Internet technologies make information collection so pervasive
and efficient?
• Property rights—How can traditional intellectual property rights be enforced
when perfect copies of protected works can be made and easily distributed
worldwide via the Internet?
• Governance—Should the Internet and e-commerce be subject to public laws? If so,
what law-making bodies have jurisdiction—state, federal, and/or international?
• Public safety and welfare—What efforts should be undertaken to ensure equitable
access to the Internet and e-commerce channels? Do certain online content and
activities pose a threat to public safety and welfare?