Framework for Global Electronic Commerce
On July 1, 1997, Pres. Clinton's Administration, through his chief policy adviser Ira Magaziner, released the Framework for Global Electronic Commerce, a working paper to support private sector involvement in the development of the Internet, a uniform legal code in the cyberspace and the use of the Internet as a global free-trade zone. Pres. Clinton specifically directed the Department of Commerce to privatize, increase the competition and promote international participation in the Domain Name System as well as his other cabinet secretaries to change their departments' internet regulations and policies if it does not coincide with the framework.[1]
The 5-Point Principle Supported by the Framework for Global Electronic Commerce include:[2]
- The private sector must lead in the development, innovation and expansion of the internet and electronic commerce
- Governments should avoid undue restrictions on electronic commerce
- The main objective of the government is to support and enforce a predictable, minimalist, consistent and simple legal environment for commerce in the event governmental involvement is needed
- The unique qualities of the Internet should be recognized by governments
- Facilitation of Electronic Commerce over the Internet should be done on a global basis
In his speech during the ceremony at the White House President Clinton stated:[3]
"If we establish an environment in which electronic commerce can grow and flourish, then every computer will be a window open to every business, large and small, everywhere in the world. In many ways, electronic commerce is like the Wild West of the global economy. Our task is to make sure that it's safe and stable terrain for those who wish to trade on it, and we must do so by working with other nations now while electronic commerce is still in its infancy."
In response to Pres. Clinton's directive, the Department of Commerce issued a Request for Comments on DNS administration on July 2, 1997. The RFC aimed to determine the appropriate future role of the U.S. government in the DNS by soliciting public input on issues relating to the overall framework of the DNS system, the creation of new top-level domains, policies for registrars, and trademark issues. The Department of Commerce received more than 430 comments.[4]