    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1997, Book II)]
    [July 1, 1997]
    [Pages 901-902]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Message to Internet Users on Electronic Commerce
    July 1, 1997

        I have today approved and released a report--``A Framework for
    Global Electronic Commerce''--setting out my Administration's vision of
    the emerging electronic market-place and outlining the principles that
    will guide the U.S. Government's actions as we move forward into the new
    electronic age of commerce. The report also suggests an agenda for
    international discussions and agreements to facilitate the growth of
    electronic commerce.

    [[Page 902]]

        The invention of the steam engine two centuries ago and the
    harnessing of electricity ushered in an industrial revolution that
    fundamentally altered the way we work, brought the world's people closer
    together in space and time, and brought us greater prosperity. Today,
    the invention of the integrated circuit and computer and the harnessing
    of light for communications have made possible the creation of the
    global Internet and an electronic revolution that will once again
    transform our lives.
        One of the most significant uses of the Internet is in the world of
    commerce. Already it is possible to buy books and clothing, to obtain
    business advice, to purchase everything from gardening tools to high-
    tech telecommunications equipment over the Internet. This is just the
    beginning. Trade and commerce on the Internet are doubling or tripling
    every year--and in just a few years will be generating hundreds of
    billions of dollars in sales of goods and services. If we establish an
    environment in which electronic commerce can grow and flourish, then
    every computer can be a window open to every business, large and small,
    everywhere in the world.
        Governments can have a profound effect on the growth of electronic
    commerce. By their actions, they can facilitate electronic trade or
    inhibit it. Government officials should respect the unique nature of the
    medium and recognize that widespread competition and increased consumer
    choice should be the defining features of the new digital marketplace.
    They should adopt a market-oriented approach to electronic commerce that
    facilitates the emergence of a global, transparent, and predictable
    legal environment to support business and commerce.
        The report I released today raises a number of important issues that
    must be addressed by governments worldwide as this electronic
    marketplace emerges. I have had it added to the White House home-page on
    the World Wide Web (www.whitehouse.gov). I call upon all Internet
    users--both in government and in the private sector--to join me in
    seeking global consensus and, where necessary, agreements on the issues
    raised in our report by December 31, 1999, so that we may enter the new
    millennium ready to reap the benefits of the emerging electronic age of
    commerce.

                                                          William J. Clinton

    Note: The President's message appeared on the White House Home Page
    under What's New: Framework for Electronic Commerce. An original was not
    available for verification of the content of this message.