Internet users want and expect privacy when conducting business electronically. R is essential that companies seeking a commercial presence on the Internet develop an ethical position on using it, and communicate that position effectively to all employees. Unfortunately the demmld for privacy conflicts with the poor security features inherent in the open design of the Internet. Server software routinely gathers statistics about who uses, or even just visits, its site's information and when. The natural temptation for firms offering commercial Internet services is to sell this information to target marketers or other customers. The resulting "electrenicjunk mail" and indiscriminate electronic mass marketing known as "spamming" is becoming an increasing problem. Recent evidence suggests that a substantial percentage of Internet users will refuse to access sites that knowingly violate what users perceive as their privacy rights. Usenet users continue to be irritated by the increasing numbers of "mass junk advertising" generated via anonymous gateways.