The World Trade Organization (WTO) was formed in 1995 to oversee the administration and functioning of the multilateral trade agreements and rules governing international trade. The WTO often addresses issues regarding national policies and international frameworks for global commerce (including e-commerce) and the risks for new barriers or impediments that could arise as the global market matures. These trade agreements are subject to their own historical development and also to the historical political barriers of the countries participating. Even today, there are countries that refuse to do business with one another because of past and present political, ethnic, religious and/or economic differences. Internet availability can possibly be affected by both short and long term grudges, and specific trade barriers to cross-national commerce activities. The historical value placed on a nation currency is often not thought to be a cultural issue, but it is certainly a reflection of national trade issues within an international marketplace. Countries without a hard currency have struggled to become established in international trade and will continue to struggle even with the establishment of e-commerce.
At the National Level, there are many issues that can shape or manipulate the Internet culture. Included in these are language, an emphasis on regional/local versus national technology infrastructure, the legislative and legal framework, and censorship to protect national identity. The most common barrier between people from different countries is language. Many countries require that products be labeled in the official language of the country which inhibits the free flow of goods between countries. To address this issue, many companies are now beginning to offer its website in a number of different languages. Regional/local versus national infrastructure development also reflects a country's cultural challenges and focus.
