EU ANTITRUST: HOT TOPICS & NEXT STEPS

EU ANTITRUST: HOT TOPICS & NEXT STEPS 2022

Prague, Czechia

Digital markets and sharing economy Rastislav Funta Danubius University Faculty of Law, Department of International and European Law Richterova 1171, Sládkovičovo, 925 21 Slovakia e-mail: rastislav.funta@vsdanubius.sk

Abstract The sharing economy relies on digital intermediary networks to enable the shared and frequently sequential use of goods and services. The entry of peer-to-peer (P2P) services into the market increases competition, which can lead to price reductions, better quality, and a larger selection of items. It’s vital to prevent unequal regulation that distorts competition between current and new suppliers in terms of competition. The goal of this paper is to examine the competitive issues that arise in platform services, in particular in regard to private accommodation, and describe, if suitable, what regulation should address potential security concerns while also avoiding market distortions. Keywords: competition, digital markets, intermediary platforms JEL Classification: K21, K22, K210 1. Introduction Competition policy continues to be focused on digital marketplaces (Funta, 2020b, pp. 1–7). In this article, we will extend our competition policy assessment of digital markets (Funta, 2019, pp. 173–183) by addressing difficulties connected to shared usage of economic products (sharing economy). At the heart of the sharing economy are digital intermediary platforms that permit the common, frequently sequential use of commodities or services. Increased competition in economic areas impacted by the entry of P2P (peer-to-peer) services can lead to price reductions, improved quality, and a broader range of possibilities. It is critical to avoid legislation that distorts competition between current and new suppliers. On the one hand, a proper framework for P2P service providers should be designed, taking the nature and scope of the activity into account. Traditional suppliers, on the other hand, should rethink their policies. The majority of the discussion is centered on intermediary services in the private lodging industry.

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