Bureau Veritas launched a quality assurance initiative to provide a set of standards for maritime Web sites. The internet certifications program, WebValue, is designed to improve e-business services by identifying web-sites that meet the Bureau Veritas quality, confidentiality and security standards. Stefan Recher, e-business manager of Bureau Veritas' marine division, said, "With the proliferation of e-business in the maritime industry it is hard for Internet users to judge the quality of a Web site. How does a user tell if an auction site is really neutral or if a trading site is really secure? At the moment there is a lack of confidence in using the Internet as the element of trust is missing.