Best E-commerce & Internet Law Lawyers in Agia Paraskevi

About E-commerce & Internet Law in Agia Paraskevi, Greece

This guide provides an accessible overview of the legal framework that applies to online business, digital services and internet activity for residents and businesses in Agia Paraskevi, a municipality in the Athens urban area. E-commerce and internet law in Greece is shaped by a combination of national legislation, European Union regulations and specific sector rules. Key topics include consumer protection for distance sales, personal data protection under the GDPR, rules for electronic contracts and signatures, payment services regulation, intellectual property and platform liability.

Laws and enforcement are primarily national, but many important rules come from EU directives and regulations that apply across member states. Local municipal offices in Agia Paraskevi will not change the core rules, but local business registration, permits and consumer complaints procedures can involve municipal or regional authorities in the Athens area.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

A lawyer experienced in e-commerce and internet law can help you prevent legal risk, resolve disputes and ensure compliance. Common situations that require legal assistance include:

- Setting up an online store or digital platform and drafting terms of use, terms and conditions, privacy policies and cookie notices that comply with Greek and EU law.

- Ensuring GDPR compliance for data collection, processing, storage and cross-border transfers, including drafting data processing agreements and advising on data breach response.

- Advising on consumer rights for distance sales such as right of withdrawal, refunds, pre-contractual information and the correct display of prices and shipping costs.

- Handling payment and finance issues, including compliance with PSD2 rules, payment service provider agreements and chargeback disputes.

- Responding to intellectual property claims - copyright, trademark, domain name disputes and takedown notices.

- Managing disputes with customers, suppliers or online marketplaces, including negotiation, mediation and court proceedings.

- Dealing with advertising and marketing compliance including promotional contests, email marketing rules and restrictions on certain types of claims or endorsements.

- Responding to regulatory investigations or enforcement actions from authorities such as the Hellenic Data Protection Authority or consumer protection agencies.

Local Laws Overview

The legal framework relevant to e-commerce and internet activity in Agia Paraskevi is composed of several layers:

- EU Regulations and Directives - The GDPR - General Data Protection Regulation - is directly applicable and sets strict rules on personal data processing, records, legal bases, data subject rights and fines. The eIDAS Regulation governs electronic identification and electronic signatures. The e-Commerce Directive sets rules on information requirements, online contracts and intermediary liability. The Consumer Rights Directive and Unfair Commercial Practices Directive shape distance selling and consumer protection. PSD2 governs payment services across the EU.

- Greek National Law - Greece has implemented EU rules into local law and has additional national legislation on consumer protection, distance contracts, unfair commercial practices and electronic transactions. The Greek Civil Code covers contract law and torts which apply to online disputes. Greek copyright and trademark laws protect intellectual property and operate alongside EU-level IP law.

- Regulatory Bodies - Enforcement and supervision are carried out by national authorities. The Hellenic Data Protection Authority supervises data protection and GDPR compliance. The Hellenic Authority for Communications and Post and other sectoral regulators supervise telecommunications and certain digital services. Consumer protection authorities handle complaints and administrative enforcement for consumer law breaches.

- Contractual and Platform Rules - Contracts with platforms, payment providers and hosting companies are governed both by agreement terms and by applicable law. Platforms often have their own takedown, dispute and fee rules which can raise jurisdictional and enforcement questions when cross-border.

- Criminal and Cybercrime Law - Unauthorized access, hacking, fraud, identity theft and similar conduct may be prosecuted under Greek criminal law in addition to civil remedies. Reporting requirements may apply in case of data breaches with personal data.

Frequently Asked Questions

What rules govern online store terms and conditions in Greece?

Online store terms must comply with mandatory consumer protection rules, provide clear pre-contractual information about the seller, product or service, price, delivery and cancellation rights, and be readily accessible. They must not include clauses that are unfair or contradict statutory consumer protections.

Do I need a privacy policy and cookie notice for my website?

Yes. If you collect personal data you must provide a privacy policy that explains what data you collect, legal bases, retention periods, data subject rights and contact details. Cookie notices are required when cookies or tracking technologies are used, and users must be able to give informed consent where required.

How does GDPR affect small online businesses in Agia Paraskevi?

GDPR applies to virtually all businesses that process personal data of EU residents, regardless of size. Small businesses must document processing activities, implement appropriate security measures, inform data subjects, and respond to access or deletion requests. Certain businesses may need a data protection officer or to carry out a data protection impact assessment for high-risk processing.

Can I sell to customers in other EU countries from Agia Paraskevi?

Yes, cross-border sales are common, but you must observe the consumer protection and contract rules of the destination country where mandatory protections apply, VAT rules for distance sales and any national restrictions for specific products. EU rules aim to facilitate cross-border trade but require attention to tax and consumer rules.

What are my obligations if my site hosts user-generated content?

If you host content posted by users you may benefit from limited liability as an intermediary under the e-Commerce Directive when you act as a passive host. However, once you have actual knowledge of illegal content you must act promptly to remove or disable access. Your terms of use should describe acceptable content and notice-removal procedures.

How should I handle payment security and PSD2 requirements?

Payment services are regulated under PSD2. If you integrate third-party payment providers choose licensed providers and ensure strong customer authentication where required. Maintain secure payment processing, comply with anti-fraud measures and be transparent about fees and chargebacks.

What steps should I take after a data breach?

First contain and assess the breach, document actions, and evaluate the risk to data subjects. Notify the Hellenic Data Protection Authority within 72 hours if the breach is likely to result in a risk to individuals. Inform affected individuals when there is a high risk. Consult a lawyer quickly to manage legal obligations and communications.

How are intellectual property rights enforced for online shops?

IP owners can send takedown notices to platforms and hosting providers, initiate administrative or civil actions for infringement and seek damages or injunctions. Preventive measures include registering trademarks, using clear licensing, and monitoring marketplaces for counterfeit listings.

What consumer rights apply to returns and refunds for online sales?

Under distance selling rules consumers typically have a right of withdrawal within a statutory period - commonly 14 days - unless an exception applies. Sellers must provide refund mechanisms and comply with obligations for pre-contractual information and delivery times. Refund timing and cost allocation rules are prescribed by law.

When should I file a lawsuit and where will the case be heard?

Lawsuits may be appropriate for unresolved disputes over contracts, payments, IP or damages. Jurisdiction depends on the contract, the parties and applicable law. For consumer disputes the law often grants consumers the forum advantage. Cases may be brought in Greek civil courts or, for cross-border matters, in courts provided under EU rules. A local lawyer can advise on the best forum and the likely timeline.

Additional Resources

Here are public bodies and organizations that can provide assistance or information related to e-commerce and internet law in Greece:

- Hellenic Data Protection Authority - supervisory authority for personal data protection and GDPR enforcement.

- Ministry of Digital Governance - national policy and digital services initiatives.

- Bank of Greece and relevant financial supervisory authorities - guidance on payment services and PSD2 related issues.

- Hellenic Authority for Communication and Post - sectoral oversight for electronic communications.

- Consumer protection authorities and the Consumer Ombudsman - support for consumer complaints and enforcement.

- Hellenic Chamber of Commerce - business information and local business support in the Athens area.

- Hellenic Copyright Organization and national IP offices - guidance on copyright, trademarks and related enforcement.

- Local courts and mediation centers in Athens region - for dispute resolution and court filings.

Next Steps

If you need legal assistance for e-commerce or internet matters in Agia Paraskevi follow these practical steps:

- Prepare core documents - collect contracts, terms of use, privacy notices, invoices, correspondence, screenshots and any evidence of disputes or breaches. Clear documentation speeds up advice and remediation.

- Identify the issue - is it compliance, a data breach, a consumer complaint, IP infringement or a contractual dispute? Pinpointing the problem helps select the right specialist.

- Find a specialist lawyer - seek a lawyer or law firm with specific experience in e-commerce, data protection and internet law. Ask about previous cases, client references and their approach to regulatory and cross-border issues.

- Ask practical questions at your first meeting - scope of work, likely outcomes, timelines, fee structure and alternative dispute resolution options such as mediation.

- Consider immediate steps - take interim actions such as disabling offending listings, pausing targeted processing, notifying affected parties or involving your payment provider if fraud is suspected.

- Use public resources - report breaches or file complaints with the appropriate authorities when necessary, and consult public guidance from supervisory bodies.

- Plan compliance - once urgent issues are handled, work with your lawyer to implement lasting compliance measures - updated policies, staff training, security measures and regular legal reviews.

This guide is informational and does not replace tailored legal advice. For specific legal questions or disputes consult a qualified lawyer in the Athens area who can advise on Greek and EU law and represent you before local authorities and courts.