Internet encryption causes confusion, says MCA

The growth of the Internet and e-commerce is being severely compromised by the lack of a global encryption standard, according to a Management Consultancies Association report. One of the chief warnings in the report is that attempts by the government to impose national Internet encryption standards is causing confusion among businesses and could lead to a slow down in the development of the Internet and e-commerce.

The report suggests that the growth of e-commerce will lead to price levelling and a standardisation of sales taxes between major trading nations.

This could be coupled with increased difficulty in collecting taxes, leading to a greater emphasis on taxation of individuals.

The development of the Internet and the growth of e-commerce is the first report in a two-year research programme by the MCA. Copies are available from Will White on 0171 235 2350 or at [email protected].