The rapid development of the Internet and other advanced communication links has engendered legal problems of unprecedented worldwide dimensions. This session will examine efforts to fashion a suitable framework to govern transnational electronic transactions, with particular focus on implications for commercial activity, national security, and personal freedom.

Discussions will focus on free expression; consumer rights and fair competition in e-commerce and website advertising; national and business security (including cryptology regulation); and personal privacy. The session will also consider attempts to harmonize patent, copyright, trademark, and trade secret laws; proposed regulations and laws regarding criminal activities through the Internet and other electronic devices; the impact of the new communication technologies on national jurisdictional limitations and criminal jurisprudence; and educational systems of transnational and interactive instruction.