People keep saying this but its not true. The EU has no jurisdiction outside of the EU. If both the user and site are outside of the EU at the time of the transaction, they can not make claims, regardless of citizenship.
The EU has jurisdiction over EU citizens, even those outside of the EU (see US citizens and taxes). But I question how the EU would have jurisdiction on anyone who is outside of the EU and does all their business outside of the EU, even with EU citizens. The EU can prohibit EU citizens from visiting websites that violate the law if they want. They can also block EU residents from visiting those sites.
No, it is true, If you don't the EU Army will come and get you. /s
It's a basic idea, and HN prides itself on being smart, but there aren't global laws. No one gets to enforce civil penalties outside of their jurisdictions, without exceptional circumstances. If they fine you and you don't have offices there just ... don't pay? The EU might not exist in 10 years anyway.
