A primer on the policy implications of electronic commerce. This study is aimed at policy makers, particularly those from outside the US and Europe, concerned with formulating an appropriate response to e-commerce, to facilitate development, and to avoid being overwhelmed by the globalizing nature of it. It is also suitable for business decision makers unsure of governments' reactions to e-commerce, and over reliant on the assumption the regulators will simply "let the private sector lead" (a common mantra invoked to guide e-commerce governance to date).