Article I sets out the aims of the Guidelines:

• to promote the use of cryptography;
• to foster confidence in information and communications infrastructures, networks and systems and the manner in which they are used;
• to help ensure the security of data, and to protect privacy, in national and global information and communications infrastructures, networks and systems;
• to promote this use of cryptography without unduly jeopardising public safety, law enforcement, and national security;
• to raise awareness of the need for compatible cryptography policies and laws, as well as the need for interoperable, portable and mobile cryptographic methods in national and global information and communications networks;
• to assist decision-makers in the public and private sectors in developing and implementing coherent national and international policies, methods, measures, practices and procedures for the effective use of cryptography;
• to promote co-operation between the public and private sectors in the development and implementation of national and international cryptography policies, methods, measures, practices and procedures;
• to facilitate international trade by promoting cost-effective, interoperable, portable and mobile cryptographic systems;
• to promote international co-operation among governments, business and research communities, and standards-making bodies in achieving co-ordinated use of cryptographic methods.

These Guidelines were crafted with business' input and may be seen as symbolizing the increased role of industry in maintaining security in the Internet era. As such, they also reflect a preference for facilitating e-commerce through access to cryptography rather than a fear of misuse by allowing access.