Applies private international law doctrine to assess the effectiveness of the framework of EU regulation of liability for online activities. Addresses not only well-known problems that have extensively been discussed in the relevant literature, but also engages with more recent phenomena such as the increasingly important role of private intermediaries. Addresses the recent controversial judgment by the European Court of Justice, Glawischnig-Piesczek v Facebook, and the wider implications of the EU's move towards a 'Digital Single Market'. Includes a proposal for a new, coherent approach to the regulation of digital commerce, based on the individual parties engaging in online activities, their legitimate expectations, and the resulting liability risks.