Differences in Payment Mechanisms

commerce allows easy payment for online purchases
Credit cards preferred payment method in North America
Not all countries adopt this preference
Japanese avoid using credit cards


Language and Cultural Differences
International parties must agree on common language
Data not transmittable internationally because information must be translated
English considered de facto international language
Largest companies translate Web sites into local languages

Different countries vary
Tastes
Gestures
Treatment of people
Ethical issues
Conservative groups against “Americanization”
Web designers must be sensitive to cultural differences

Conflicting Economic, Scientific, and Security Interests

Goal of corporate management
Seize large market share
Maximize organization profits
Scientific information important national resource
Occasionally interests conflict

Weapons manufacturers have technical drawings
Valuable to both company and security of country
Governments may not allow exchange of weapon designs
PGP encryption application was opposed by government
Thought to compromise national security