Internet Privacy Laws

Business leaders and even some members of the Bush administration are lining up against proposed legislation regarding personal privacy, especially as it relates to Internet commerce [“Firms Renew Assault on Privacy Rules,” March 27].

They claim new laws protecting consumers from those who want to turn our private lives into marketable commodities would harm both businesses and their customers by raising costs and inhibiting transactions.

In Europe, privacy laws already enacted are far more stringent than anything being proposed in Congress. Yet Internet commerce continues to grow. Indeed, that growth might partially be promoted by consumers who feel less vulnerable to having their privacy invaded than do American consumers.

How is it that American businesses cannot prosper under easier rules than those faced by profitable European businesses?

DAVID E. ROSS

Oak Park