Vice President Gore issued an executive memorandum last Monday asking federal agencies as well as state and local governments to identify barriers to electronic commerce.

Mr Gore also announced that he will be releasing a report later this month updating the Clinton administration's progress in promoting electronic commerce. The report is expected to cover self-regulation on privacy issues as well as efforts to close the "digital divide" caused by racial and economic gaps in Internet access and use.

"E-commerce is not only helping save consumers time and money and expand their choices, but it is also unleashing new potential for entrepreneurs," Mr Gore said. "E-commerce opens a world of opportunities to those with good ideas and an Internet connection but in order to meet the full potential of this new medium, we must look ahead and clear away the 20th century barriers that may inhibit 21st century commerce."