Online Buyers Gain Ability to Sue The European Union passed rules
today that would allow consumers to sue in their own
country an online retailer based in another union country.

European officials argue that such a consumer right is essential to
help get e-commerce off the ground in Europe.

"A lack of consumer confidence is the main thing holding up the
development of e-commerce here," said Leonello Gabrici, a
spokesman on judicial matters for the European Commission, the
executive arm of the European Union.

By handing jurisdiction of cross- border disputes to the courts in the
consumer's country, the regulation will encourage consumers to
purchase online, he said.