This book outlines and analyses the legislative activity of the Union in an area which is currently experiencing exponential growth in terms of both commercial activity and legal significance. The scope of the book is current,pending and proposed Internet-related law on contracts, copyright, data protection, commercial communications, financial services, electronic cash and electronic signatures.



John Dickie argues that the Union is in the process of displacing Member State autonomy in the regulation of the Internet. Within that frame, it is argued that there is a lack of focus on the individual in the electronic marketplace and a lack of co-ordination between relevant legislative instruments.



This book will be of interest to all those engaged with Union and Internet law, including lawyers, policy-makers and academics.

1. Introduction
2. Financial Services and Taxation
3. Draft Directive on Electronic Commerce
4. Cryptography and the Draft Directive on Electronic Signatures
5. Copyright
6. Data Protection
7. Commercial Communications
8. Consumer Protection and Conflicts of Law
9. The Directive on Distance Contracts
10. Conclusions: Foci and Futures

“the book provides a valuable overview of European Union's Internet and e-commerce law...the book can be recommened as a 'rough guide' to Internet and Electronic Commerce Law in the European Union.” –  Kamiel J Koelman, University of Amsterdam, Digital Technology Law Journal

“the book heralds a new line of European legal literature John Dickie masterly puts the legal aspects of the Information Society and electronic commerce in a nutshell. It is recommended for all those interested in the future.” –  Georgios I. Arnokouros, European Review of Private Law

“.the beginner will find a well-structured introduction to the legal areas important to e-commerce law, while the advanced reader will be stimulated to deepen his knowledge and to catch up with the latest developments.” –  Toralf Noeding, Communications Law Journal

“Dickie marshals his evidence meticulously and makes his points carefully, illustrating them with examples of case law.” –  Roger Whitehead, eComWatch 1

“..an excellent book… the most comprehensive published discussion of the important laws addressing e-commerce issues emerging from the European Union to datean essential tool for scholars, business planners, and consumer advocates interested in the field.” –  James P Nehf, Columbia Law Review

“..lawyers wanting an introduction to a complex and confusing area before monitoring specific European developments will find this book very useful.” –  Simon Stokes, Computer Law and Security Report

“This book will be of interest to all those engaged with Union and Internet law, whether from an academic, commercial or policy perspective.” –  The Review Editor, European Sources Online

“After reading this book, one definitely realises the importance of e-commerce and the need to control unwanted activities. The author has vividly portrayed the significant contribution made by the Community in solving this problem.” –  Aashit Shah, European Intellectual Property Review

“a valuable tool to get an overview of the initiatives taken on a European level to create a legal framework for electronic commerce.” –  Rob van Esch, University of Leiden, EDI Law Review