National information policy developments worldwide III: e-commerce

This paper reviews recent initiatives undertaken in a number of countries by governments to encourage e-commerce within their countries. Developments in Australia, Canada, the European Union and its Member States, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa and the USA are reviewed. There is a particular emphasis on e-commerce laws, taxation issues, cryptography and consumer protection. The Australian and New Zealand approach of ensuring as many stakeholder groups as possible is particularly noteworthy. The EU's approach is one of dynamic leadership. It is emphasized that individual national governments are less important, however, than developments made at a multinational level.