The Fragmentation of Intermediary Liability in the UK

Abstract

This article argues that the system for intermediary liability (for mere conduits, hosts and search engines) is splitting into a number of different systems. In the case of copyright, intermediaries (particularly mere conduits) have new duties. However, regarding defamation (and to a lesser extent privacy), new schemes are reducing the liability risk of hosts—under certain circumstances. The result is that the single system of the Electronic Commerce Directive is being replaced by a mixture of EU and national legislation, revived common law doctrines and specific provisions for particular areas of law.

Keywords: intermediary liability, Electronic Commerce Directive, defamation, privacy, copyright

JEL Classification: O34