Marijuana Or Music? Which Of The Two Was Sold First Over The Internet And When?
The history of online transactions is often clouded in debate, with differing opinions on what constitutes the first true e-commerce sale. Commonly cited as the pioneer is Phil Brandenberger’s August 11, 1994, purchase of Sting’s “Ten Summoner’s Tales” CD. The transaction, facilitated by Dan Kohn’s NetMarket startup is widely recognized for pioneering the use of encrypted online payments and ushering in a new era of e-commerce.
Yet, a story dating back to the early 1970s suggests an unconventional beginning for online transactions. Allegedly, students from Stanford University and MIT utilized ARPANET, the precursor to the modern internet, to arrange a marijuana deal. Although this transaction didn’t involve a direct exchange of money online and was technically illegal, it is often cited as the “first agreed upon online exchange in history,” highlighting its significance despite its …