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| ONE-YEAR GOALS |
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| Goal |
| Status |
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| Develop rules and solutions for protecting privacy on the Internet |
| A Federal Trade Commission report found that private industry efforts have been inadequate. The Commerce Department will hold a conference this month on the subject. |
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| Secure international agreements to keep the Internet tax-free |
| Japan has signed an agreement and it has general support worldwide. The World Trade Organization recently adopted a one-year ban. |
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| Reach agreement with state and local governments to keep the Internet tax-free |
| Legislation is pending to create a three-year moratorium on taxes on Internet access, online services and information traveling across the Internet, at least until a study on taxing. |
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| Ratify World Intellectual Properties Organization treaty on digital copyrights |
| The Senate has ratified the treaty. Legislation to put the treaty into effect has passed the Senate and is pending in the House of Representatives. |
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| Make control of Internet domains private and competitive |
| Currently, domain names are assigned by Network Solutions Inc. under a Government-sponsored monopoly. The Administration has released a plan for handing governance over to a nonprofit corporation, but the international community still has to reach. |
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| Develop rules for authenticating electronic transactions |
| International discussions are continuing and legislation is pending to adopt a uniform national standard. |
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| Develop Internet rating and filtering systems that can screen content deemed unsuitable for children |
| Several technologies are being developed, but their effectiveness is debatable. Legislation is pending to require schools that receive Federal Internet funds to install software to screen content. |
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| Get more involved in electronic commerce |
| The Administration wants to expand its “GSA Advantage” online shopping service. |
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| LONGER-TERM GOALS |
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| Create international standards for Internet security |
| The Administration remains deadlocked with private industry over controls for encryption technology. |
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| Create a seamless environment for electronic commerce worldwide and insure access for all |
| International discussions are continuing.
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| Update U.S. patent policy to meet the needs of the electronic age and seek worldwide agreements to protect patents |
| Work is underway. |
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| Promote private sector development of electronic technical standards and oppose efforts by other Governments to impose standards |
| International discussions are continuing. |
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| Monitor developments in electronic payment systems and oppose imposition of restrictions |
| Work is underway. |
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