One Year Ago: Clinton Endorses E-Commerce

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Originally published on November 29, 1999 and brought to you today as a time capsule.

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In his weekly radio address, U.S. President Bill Clinton praised the expansion of electronic commerce and declared that the First Family will be among the estimated 4 million American families that are expected to buy gifts online for the first time this year.

Speaking from the Presidential retreat at Camp David, Clinton said, "The Internet and other information technologies are revolutionizing our economy, powering one-third of our economic growth." The United States is "making the most of new technologies" to keep its economy growing and sustain the longest peacetime expansion in history, he said.

"Few applications of information technology have more potential than electronic commerce," Clinton added, citing the $9 billion (US$) figure that has become the common prediction for this year's online sales volume.

Clinton noted that online shopping should be a goal for many families, not just for the convenience and low prices to be found on the Internet, but also to keep bolstering small companies and entrepreneurs who have found ways to expand their businesses through the Internet.

Words Of Warning

While encouraging Americans to take advantage of online shopping's benefits, however, the President also issued a few words of caution. "As with shopping in stores, when consumers shop on the Internet, they must take basic precautions to ensure that what they see is what they get," he said.

Clinton offered what he believes are the three most important steps that consumers can take to protect themselves online. First, he said, people should pay closer attention to details, such as shipping and delivery dates, extra fees, return policies and customer service information. Second, Clinton said, "always buy with a credit card" to make use of federal protection against unauthorized charges. Third, he said, "Guard your privacy at all times."

In addition to the President's guidance, the Federal Trade Commission and the Department of Commerce have posted information on Internet shopping on their Web sites. The FTC provides an online shopping checklist on its Consumer.gov site.

The agency's advice includes checking out e-commerce retailers through the Better Business Bureau if the sites are unfamiliar and looking for the secure server symbol on a merchant's Web site before transmitting credit card information for a purchase.

Shopping And Giving

Clinton also used his address to appeal to online shoppers' charitable side this holiday season. He suggested that shoppers "think not only about using the Internet to buy gifts for friends and family, but also to give more lasting gifts to our community and our future."

The President noted that the Internet provides many places for consumers to find information about community service organizations and opportunities to donate money, time or goods. He highlighted one such site, Helping.org.

Among other Internet sites that combine shopping and giving are 4charity.com, GreaterGood.com, Shop2give.com and Schoolpop.com.