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A European Directive on electronic commerce came into force in 2002, but it hasn't received wide publicity. It sets out rules for websites, which have to show a number of particular details about the business, even if the site doesn't sell anything. The business has to give its name, a terrestrial address, contact details including e-mail, any supervisory authority which regulates the business, and its VAT registration number if applicable. If the business is a company, it has to show its incorporation number and place of incorporation.

If the site sells goods, more information is required. Before a customer places an order, the site must explain the steps which lead to a contract, and how the customer can correct input errors. If the user is asked to accept terms of trade, then these must be available on the site. Distance selling in general requires a seven-day cooling-off period in which the customer can cancel the sale, and this information must be given to customers.

If the site collects information about customers, then it will also be essential to comply with the Data Protection Act.