International Internet Laws, Guidelines, and Protocols

All consumers and businesses that operate, communicate or conduct business on the Internet at the international level are subject to international Internet laws, guidelines and protocols. Online activities, such as sales, marketing, and webpage development, are subject to the changing climate of global rules. Accordingly, we can all benefit from seeking legal assistance from skilled attorneys.

Salar Atrizadeh, Esq., has a deep understanding of technology, computers, and the body of international cyber laws that apply to individuals and businesses looking to operate, communicate, or conduct business over the Internet. Mr. Atrizadeh has assisted clients with implementing the framework of online enterprises, forming e-commerce websites, drafting contracts, protecting privacy, security, or intellectual property rights (e.g., trademarks, copyrights, service marks), and enforcing state, federal, and international laws. In light of globalization and growth of international cyber networks, any individual or entity, such as an e-commerce business, can profit from his experience. In fact, a comprehensive consultation will help a business, whether local, national, or international, to benefit from this expansive knowledge.

For instance, the International Chamber of Commerce (“ICC”) provides guidelines governing online advertising and marketing for individuals and entities. These guidelines incorporate various ICC Codes and call on marketers to properly interpret applicable provisions of the laws to their unique online activity. One such provision, requires that all online advertisers and marketers to thoroughly inform online users of, any and all, costs associated with access to a specific message or webpage. This standard of clear disclosure for online access is a theme that runs through global Internet laws. The underlying intent to preserve consumer rights on the Internet goes to uphold the integrity of online business.

Online user’s rights constitute a large portion of global Internet laws and regulations. For example, the ICC requires that all advertisers provide users with the option to block personal data on the Internet, or seek a correction of any incorrect personal information on the Internet. Certainly global Internet laws also incorporate other fundamental legal principles, such as individual privacy. Accordingly, the ICC urges online marketers to provide their privacy statements online, so that users are aware that a website may store, access, and sell personal information to other vendors. International governments are moving towards adopting a minimum set of standards to govern global Internet activity in today’s growing digital world. This works to provide and protect Internet freedom, but also to protect cybersecurity. Indeed, the significance of global cybersecurity includes everything from social media sites, to military infrastructures, and networks that govern and protect entire nations.

In general, determining which laws are applicable depends on the location of the e-commerce website wherein it: (a) maintains a physical presence: (b) manufactures products; (c) sells goods; or (d) solicits customers. However, the chance that a company will be subject to extraterritorial jurisdiction is higher for businesses that are outside of the United States considering how our courts exercise judicial jurisdiction over foreign nationals. Notwithstanding this statement, domestic businesses should consider the importance of international regulatory and jurisdiction in relation to forming an online business venture.

Therefore, before undertaking any business venture on the Internet, you should consult with an Internet lawyer to learn about the applicable laws, guidelines, and protocols. In sum, legal consultation will help protect an online presence and ensure compliance with local, national, and international protocols. You may contact the Law Offices of Salar Atrizadeh to speak with an experienced attorney regarding the applicable laws.