Internet User: the Concept and Types

The article discusses the concepts and types of Internet users. Using technical and legal means, a personal definition of an Internet user is proposed. By the term «Internet user» we propose to understand — a participant of Internet relations (both a natural and a legal entity) who uses capabilities of information environment to satisfy his/her personal needs in sale of goods, works and services. The researcher notes that in national legislation of Ukraine there is no legal regulation of the concept and types of Internet users. The study analyzed and formulated types of Internet users. The Internet user, as a participant in various Internet relations, is marked by special features due to the nature of such relations. A specific composition of Internet users who take part in such relations was identified depending on dedicated types of Internet relations. Their brief characteristic is provided. At the same time, legal status of Internet user is compared with the consumer. On the whole, current legislation is not a perfect means of legal influence on internet relations which are connected with Internet user, and requires its timely improvement. It was proposed to supplement provisions of Law of Ukraine «On the protection of consumer rights» with provisions that extend legal status to Internet user which consumer has in its traditional sense (i.e. the concept, rights, obligations, procedure of judicial protection, liability for violation the legislation about protection of Internet users’ rights). The concept of Internet user fully reflects characteristics of a participant in civil law relations. This is especially clearly emphasized by analysis of its types and ratio with consumer category. The Internet user is endowed with a wide range of «traditional» rights and obligations of a participant in civil law relations, which are enshrined in national and international legislation. The Internet user acquires concrete property and personal non-property rights and corresponding duties that determine its civil and legal status.