there is a joint project with NetCommerce called Joint Electronic Payment Initiative (JEPI) that works on negotiation over payment. it does not address the payment process itself, but things like the payment instrument (cash, credit card etc.), any discount that may apply and so on.
the W3C concentrates on demonstration and interoperability tests. a first demonstration is scheduled for september 1996.
the W3C has a modular security model in mind. it shall be PEP based. it will include signature and authentication and shall provide privacy. currently, there is no direct support from the industry.
here is more information about payments and security.
back to WWW5 main document.