Issues

Platforms, Power and the Antitrust Challenge: A Modest Proposal to Narrow the U.S.–Europe Divide

Tech platforms like Facebook and Google dominate the new economy. European Union (EU) authorities are more aggressive than those in the United States in using competition law against tech platforms.

The Economics of Markets and Platforms

Some economic models omit intermediaries, entrepreneurs, and other key factors in dynamic markets. The study of platforms like eBay and Etsy leads to the development of more realistic economic models.

Privacy’s Constitutional Moment and the Limits of Data Protection

The United States Congress must decide whether to enact a national privacy law like Europe’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). But GDPR-style rules fail to protect against many harms of data overuse.

Artificial Intelligence, Economics, and Industrial Organization

Deployment of artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) systems will affect the size and choices of firms that provide or use AI services. Economists consider the effects of AI on pricing, firm size, competition, privacy, and security.

Platforms and Ecosystems: Enabling the Digital Economy

Digital platforms alter the structure of markets and create complex business ecosystems. Platforms challenge traditional methods of management and regulation.

Digital Platforms and Antitrust Law

Some allege that large “big data” platforms can easily harm innovation by excluding rivals, but some controversial platform conduct benefits consumers and does not appear to harm innovation.

Tech Dominance and the Policeman at the Elbow

Over time, dominant tech firms like IBM have been displaced by rivals. Antitrust enforcement spurred changes to IBM’s behavior that enabled the rise of a competitive software and computer industry.

Antisocial Media: How Facebook Disconnects Us and Undermines Democracy

Facebook and other tech firms have failed to filter out racism and other harmful ideas from the public sphere and encourage people to express themselves in shallow ways. The idea that the Internet would lead to more freedom and more competition was a myth.

Auctions versus Posted Prices in Online Markets

When eBay first became popular, most sellers listed goods for sale in an auction format. Over time, posted prices began to predominate. Sellers were influenced by two factors, growing competition between sellers, and buyers’ preference for the convenience of posted prices.

Why Incentives For "Patent Holdout" Threaten to Dismantle FRAND, And Why It Matters

Some favor manufacturers over innovators in disputes over licensing terms for standard-essential patents (SEPs). But manufacturers and innovators should receive reciprocal benefits from their commitment to licensing the SEPs. Manufacturers have a duty to negotiate in good faith.