The Internet exists to move information. There is little doubt that the Internet
and information technology have played a big part of the sustained economic
growth we have enjoyed in recent years. Economic growth is not an
abstract concept. It means more consumers are able to buy more things that they
want and need.
One of the best known, and most controversial ways that information is being
used to improve consumer access to goods and services is by improving the availability
of information about consumers to business. When businesses have a better
understanding of who is buying what and why, they can deliver better products
more quickly and cheaply to the people who are interested in them. This lowers
costs and improves the availability of goods to consumers. Internet businesses pay
consumers back for the value of their personal information.
Because the Internet is only a few years old, there are many innovations in uses
of information that have yet to be realized. If allowed to develop unimpeded,
information-based businesses will continue to squeeze inefficiency and waste out of
the economy, sharing the benefits with consumers and investors alike.
Any proposals to cut off freedom of information online would thwart innovations
that have yet to come into existence and prevent further benefits from flowing
to consumers.
Links:
Double-Click
For Consumers by Jessica Melugin, Competitive Enterprise Institute (August 1, 2000)
Facts
& Figures, The Internet Economy Indicators (June, 2000)
Key Findings, The Internet Economy Indicators (June, 2000)
The Evolving Demand for Skills, Remarks by Chairman Alan Greenspan
at the U.S. Department of Labor National Skills Summit (April 11, 2000)
Comments
Submitted in the FTC/NTIA Workshop on Online Profiling by Solveig Singleton, Cato
Institute (October 18, 1999)
Privacy
is the Problem, Not the Solution by Jeffrey Obser, Salon (June 26, 1997)
Comments? onlineinfovalue@privacilla.org
(Subject: OnlineInfoValue)
[updated 10/17/00]
