processing, Electronic Data Interchange (EDI), and automated data collection systems. Modern electronic commerce typically uses the World Wide Web at least at one point in the transaction's life-cycle, although it may encompass a wider range of technologies such as e-mail, mobile devices and telephones. 19.1 Policy Statements: e-Commerce Development and Implementation a) Create and expand a conducive and enabling environment for e-commerce. b) Cultivate an e-commerce culture, which fosters competitiveness and cost-effectiveness especially among SMEs in national, regional and international transactions. c) Promote local and international smart partnerships in e-commerce. d) Develop, implement and promote appropriate security and legal systems for e-commerce including issues related to cyber security, data protection and e-transactions. e) Introduce a policy on ICT consumer protection. f) Enable the development of legislation, regulations and policies and programs for the following: e-Health, e-Agriculture, e-Manufacturing, e-Transport, e-Tourism and e-Mining. 20 Social Networks A number of social networks have emerged in the recent past and these have had great impact on the way information is relayed in the global village. There are advantages and disadvantages of social networks. The advantages relate to maintaining communication and the possibility to reunite friends and relatives whose contacts may have been long lost. 20.1 Policy Statements: Leverage Social Networks as an ICT Platform a) Promote and encourage public education on the effect of responsible and irresponsible use of social networks and other applications for socio-economic and political purposes. b) Encourage the development of local social network platforms. c) Ensure availability of local capacity to snuff out undesirable social content. 21 ICT Research and Development Current research endeavours are characterised by attachment of students from universities to the Research Council of Zimbabwe (RCZ) and the Scientific and Industrial Research and Development Corporation (SIRDC). The Harare Institute of Technology has some of its students attached to the Republic of Korea whilst private companies operate in isolation for direct clients. There are no concerted efforts to link institutional research with industry. Zimbabwe is lagging behind in technology research and development. 34