Rep. Cliff Stearns, R-FL, Chairman of the Commerce, Trade & Consumer Protection Subcommittee, brought up the industry as one in which he hopes the committee will address concerning the Internet.
"Given the rapid evolution and importance of electronic commerce, I intend that the subcommittee examine key e-commerce issues significantly impacting the economy and the consumer," Stearns said. "The panel will focus on removing barriers to the growth of e-commerce while being fully mindful of consumers' interests and rights."
Stearns has three general areas of focus for the upcoming legislative session: online privacy, cyber security and removing international regulatory barriers to e-commerce.
In addition to the three general areas, Stearns brought up some specific sectors he would like to see targeted. Among them is the protection of personally identifiable information and genetic data, cyber fraud and identify theft, Internet gambling, encryption, data base protection, and Internet sales taxation.
With oversight authority on the Federal Trade Commission, Stearns said the subcommittee will review the impact of mega-mergers on consumers. He noted that a thorough review of the effectiveness in cyberspace of our existing consumer protection laws may also be in order.
He added, "I see the mission of this subcommittee as encouraging and promoting the continued growth of e-commerce, yet insuring that consumers are protected."