This paper presents a self-contained summary in English of the results of a research project conducted for the Nordic Council of Ministers to define problems, advantages, and disadvantages of the electronic dissemination of information for consumers, and to determine whether consumer organizations should adapt their information activities and consumer policies to suit developments in information technology. The Introduction and Chapter 1 provide background information on the project, and Chapters 2 through 6 contain detailed documentation of electronic data media--teletext, cabletext, and videotex--and other means of accessing databases, together with forecasts of future developments; the use of electronic and visual media in neutral consumer information in the United Kingdom, the United States, West Germany, and the Nordic countries; and the internal use of electronic data media by consumer organizations. The material presented is based on a comprehensive literature review and personal interviews with individuals from the above countries. Chapter 7 uses consumer behavior and communication theories to derive a series of general consumer requirements to be applied to information and advertising, and Chapter 8 presents a proposal for a Nordic consumer policy of consumer information in the electronic media. A list of persons interviewed is included, as well as a comprehensive reference list which includes works in English, Danish, French, German, Norwegian, and Swedish. (DJR)