The mission of the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) is to "realize the full potential of the Web." Since the Web is global, its technology must support a wide range of policy options that encourage all cultures to use the Web. To support this mission in the context of a global information space, the W3C must be aware of and apply an understanding of public policy (which may inhibit or promote the growth of the Web) towards Web technology. W3C works on behalf of and with its membership to build and maintain an inter-operable network architecture. This architecture must allow local policies to co-exist without cultural fragmentation or domination. In addition, W3C can provide feedback to policy makers regarding: what is technically possible; how effectively the technology can meet policy requirements; and possible unintended consequences of proposed policies.
reagle@w3.org
Webmaster 25 Aug 97