An online service provider didn't clearly identify themselves on their website. Is this required?

What the Law Says

The EU E-Commerce Directive sets mandatory transparency requirements for online service providers.

Under the E-Commerce Directive, all online service providers established in the EU must make certain information easily, directly, and permanently accessible to users.

This includes the provider’s name, geographic address, email address, phone number, and — where applicable — VAT number, registration number, and supervisory authority.

The information must be provided before any contract is concluded and must remain visible on the website at all times.

Statutory Text

Service providers shall, at least, provide the following information in a form which is easily, directly and permanently accessible: (a) the name of the service provider; (b) the geographic address at which the service provider is established; (c) the electronic mail address of the service provider; (d) where the service provider is registered in a trade or similar public register, the register in which the service provider is entered and the registration number;

— Directive 2000/31/EC, Art. 5(1) — Information to be supplied by service providers

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