[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 141 (Monday, October 18, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2112-E2113]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              CPA WEBTRUST

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. ROBERT W. NEY

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 18, 1999

  Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight an excellent private 
sector initiative that is making cyberspace a safer place for consumers 
to shop: CPA WebTrust.
  The Internet is transforming the way consumers across this country 
are buying products and services. Today, 55 percent of the population 
uses the Internet in the United States, and that number is expected to 
increase substantially by the end of 1999. Last year, 35 million 
households purchased something on the Internet. In addition, more than 
one quarter of all U.S. retailers has an e-commerce Web site, and the 
U.S. Department of Commerce predicts that online sales could surpass 
$300 billion by the end of 2002.
  The Internet is a retailer's dream, taking advantage of lower 
overhead and transaction costs and leveraging its easy access and 
convenience for millions of consumers. However, online shopping raises 
concerns for consumers. Is it safe to buy online? Will businesses 
deliver on their sales promises? Are

[[Page E2113]]

buyers protected from fraud and privacy infringements?
  Overall customer satisfaction among online shoppers is generally 
good. However, common complaints received about online merchants 
include: misleading advertising; goods or services not delivered as 
agreed; guarantees not honored or honored with unsatisfactory service; 
and credit or billing problems. Complaints about online retailers are 
similar to the complaints generated by traditional ``bricks-and-
mortar'' businesses.
  Retailers wishing to increase sales through the Internet can build 
consumer trust and confidence in their Web sites by using meaningful 
third-party assurance seal programs. One such program is CPA WebTrust, 
which was developed jointly by the American Institute of Chartered 
Accountants (CICA).
  WebTrust is the only comprehensive seal of assurance program for e-
commerce sites around the world. CPA's in the United States have been 
providing assurance services to the public for over 65 years, and 
WebTrust is a logical extension of their expertise onto the Internet. 
Uniquely qualified to offer assurance services, CPA's are trusted and 
respected professionals with the credibility necessary to build 
confidence among online buyers.
  A WebTrust-licensed CPA examines online businesses at least every 90 
days to make sure the site is in compliance with the rigorous WebTrust 
Principles and Criteria. The CPA assures that the online business is 
abiding by its stated privacy policies, adheres to its stated business 
practices, processes secure transactions, and provides resolution for 
customers with complaints about product or service quality. WebTrust 
assures customers that the Web site has met the most comprehensive e-
commerce standards that protect online buyers.
  By giving credibility to both small and large e-commerce sites, 
WebTrust helps them to access a worldwide customer base and bring 
global electronic commerce to its full potential. It also helps them to 
deliver on their sales promises and build a loyal, online customer 
base. WebTrust helps online businesses turn shoppers into buyers by 
reducing the risks of online shopping, including the potential for 
fraud.
  Global in its focus, WebTrust is currently offered in the United 
States, Canada, Puerto Rico, England, Scotland, Ireland, Wales, and 
Australia. Discussions are underway with several other accountancy 
institutes in Europe and the Asia-Pacific Rim. WebTrust complies with 
EU data protection policies and Privacy Bill C-54 in Canada. For more 
information about CPA WebTrust, you can visit http://
www.cpawebtrust.org
  Mr. Speaker, today over 100 million Americans will surf the Internet, 
some wishing to make a purchase. Consumers need and deserve to be 
protected and private-sector programs like CPA WebTrust need to be 
encouraged to ensure the prosperity and vitality of America's 21st 
century digital economy.

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