"Export controls remain the most powerful obstacle to the development and free flow of encryption, but they are steadily being relaxed because of the Internet and demands for secure electronic commerce, " the report said.

CNN: Survey finds encryption rules loosening worldwide

Credit card companies are working with CyberCash and Netscape Communications to develop and implement the new Secure Electronic Transaction protocol for online credit card commerce.

CNN: Cash -- or E-Money?

The next day, they met for smoothies in Palo Alto and came up with the idea that became PayPal: a system of electronic payment designed to make e-commerce easy, consistent, and secure.

NEWYORKER: No Death, No Taxes