The cyberconsumer’s protection

Publié le 25/07/2001 par Cristina Coteanu - 76 vues

Cyber consumer law can be defined as a complex set of rules and principles relating to a multitude of
substantive legal areas such as privacy, contracts and professional rules in the context of virtual space.

Cyber consumer law is based on the interaction between a
subordinated national law and a co-ordinated international law. This concept goes beyond any idea of
cyberspace being a separate legal order.

The purpose of this article is to explore fundamental questions, which the Internet is facing in the area of
consumer protection. What legal requirements should be respected when contracting on line? Are contracts
on line legally recognised? What are the consequences of self-regulation for the protection of the
consumer? When legal problems arise on the Internet, who should support the cost of liability? Are the
authorities of certification liable for consumer loss? What are the new solutions for consumer privacy on
the Internet? Are we moving towards an approximation of the concept of privacy in Europe or towards a standardised approach? How are the public and private sectors dealing with the protection of privacy?
How can legal authorities enforce a law which by definition is limited to national boundaries and how does
this impact on cross-border commercial communications on line ?