Global information and communication networks offer a wide range of social and economic benefits and generate enormous potential for the development of the global information society (GIS) and electronic commerce.

The OECD Working Party on Information Security and Privacy (WPISP - www.oecd.org/sti/security-privacy) promotes an internationally coordinated approach to policymaking in security and protection of privacy and personal data in order to help build trust in the GIS and facilitate electronic commerce.

For global networks to be trustworthy, infrastructures and services must be reliable, transactions must be secure and private, and personal data must be effectively protected. Appropriate redress mechanisms must be available if things go wrong. Such objectives have traditionally depended on governments, but given the fast-paced evolution of IT, the private sector plays an increasing role.

In this context, the WPISP brings together representatives from the 30 OECD Member country governments, the private sector and civil society to foster the emergence of solutions to build trust online. Much WPISP work focuses on raising awareness and exchanging information among all stakeholders with the objective of developing guidance as to how ensure privacy and security online.

More