Some reflections on non-contractual obligations in cyberspace considering the Rome II regulation

University of Latvia, Latvia

Abstract

Internet penetration has created a revolutionary change in people's communication nowadays. By creating immaterial and elusive cyberspace, without borders and limits of communication a three-dimensional territorial concept has been transformed by globalizing social relations and reducing importance of regional or national dimensions. All situations taking place on the Internet also occur somewhere in the reality. Sometimes it is difficult to measure whether the events are random or unrelated to particular events. Technological progress offers new possibilities to change a user's real location either consciously or subconsciously. However, the law is highly territorial in nature. This article focuses on existing conflict of law rules under the EU law and reveals its weaknesses in relation to non-contractual obligations caused by the Internet. Therefore, the author observes core concepts of the applicable law by analyzing the legal notions and information technology concepts and assessing the suitability of regulation in cyberspace. The EU regulation, the doctrine of European and domestic authors as well as the EU case law have been examined. As a result, a number of conclusions have been drawn on the suitability of non-contractual relationships in cyberspace considering Rome II Regulation.