Abstract

Recently, online platforms, such as Uber, Bolt, Free now, have revolutionised the transport services market. They broke the existing linear structure between driver and passenger becoming the third element on the way to enter into a contrach, sometimes in a far-reaching way interfering with the content of the legal act, the way the parties communicate or the amount of information they obtain about each other.
This article examines the legal status of online platforms within the framework of a triangular model of legal relations on the example of platforms involved in the conclusion of transport contracts. In particular, an attempt was made to answer the question whether it is possibile to assign to the operator of the online platform liability for non-performance or improper performance of an obligation which arised with the participation of the platform, and if so, under what conditions and circumstances may result in exemption from such liability. The resolution of this issue is crucial to the effectiveness of the redress and the exercise of rights by the contracting parties.
In order to find a solution to these problems, the author has analysed national and EU legal acts, judicature (e.g. the judgment of the Court (Grand Chamber) of 20 December 2017 in case C-434/15) and regulations of leading online platforms associating drivers and passengers.

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