Global Information Networks Ministerial Conference - Theme paper
A theme paper providing the basis for discussion at the Global Information Networks Ministerial Conference, to be held in Bonn, Germany, from 6 to 8 July 1997, has been published jointly by the European Commission and the German government. The paper has been subject to wide-ranging discussions among the EU's Member States, but does not represent their official positions. It aims to provide a basis for discussion, by describing relevant issues, posing questions and setting out a number of possible solutions for consideration at the conference. The paper sets out four key areas where discussion will take place on the building of global information networks: - Building confidence: . Security and confidentiality; . Authentication and integrity of messages; . Responsibility of the actors; . Preventing and combating misuse; - Empowering the user: . Promoting electronic literacy; . Data protection; . Filtering and rating content; . Enabling participation by all; - Making the most of content resources: . Intellectual property rights; . Access to an exploitation of public sector information; . Facilitating trading in multimedia content; . Cultural and linguistic diversity; - Creating a favourable environment for electronic commerce: . Setting the scene for business and consumers; . Consumer protection; . Taxation; . Infrastructure considerations.