1、1 For statistics and other data on e-commerce, see: CRS Report RL30435, Internet and E-Commerce Statistics: What They Mean and Where to Find Them On the Web. Other sourcesinclude: http:/, http:/, http:/,http:/, and http:/www.cs.cmu.edu. It is important to note that somemeasurements of e-commerce, pa
2、rticularly that data reported in the media, have not been verified. Congressional Research Service The Library of CongressCRS Report for CongressReceived through the CRS WebOrder Code RS20426Updated April 1, 2002Electronic Commerce: An IntroductionGlenn J. McLoughlinSpecialist in Technology and Tele
3、communicationsResources, Science, and Industry DivisionSummaryElectronic commercial transactions over the Internet, or “e-commerce,” have grownso fast over the last five years that many experts continue to underestimate its growthand development. Whether retail business-to-customer or business-to-bu
4、sinesstransactions, e-commerce is now a significant part of commercial transactions. In turn,policymakers both in the United States and abroad are likely to face increasingly complexissues of security, privacy, taxation, infrastructure development and other issues in 2001and beyond. This report will