Hacker News new | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submit login

> The extensive reach of the law is breathtaking.

It is.

> The EU claims jurisdiction over any web property, based anywhere in the world, that might be seen by an EU national.

Not really! The EU simply claims jurisdiction over any company that trades in the EU. The company doesn't have to be a "web property" - if you sell cars, or food, or medcines in the EU, you have to accept EU jurisdiction. If you want to operate a web property that is accessible in the EU, that's fine; but don't have a EU trading arm if your web property isn't GDPR-compliant.




Your latter point technically correct, but only because companies that lack a trading footprint in the EU are beyond sanction by the EU.

The EU claims jurisdiction, they just lack an effective enforcement mechanism for sites that do not have a financial nexus inside the EU. (Perversely, this creates an incentive to not create such a financial nexus, including hiring anyone inside the EU.)




Consider applying for YC's Fall 2025 batch! Applications are open till Aug 4

Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: