Different business models have evolved for providing information on the Internet, including search engines, which make money from advertising; subscription web sites; and free web sites which drive off-line sales. Scholars examine the evolution of this marketplace and its implications for content providers and businesses.
Social networking websites are places on the Internet where people can connect with those who share their interests. Additionally, they can function as economic “platforms” that serve different groups of many users, including consumers, advertisers, game developers, and others.
There are a number of privacy issues related to how online companies collect, store, use and share personally identifiable information; and how consumers are informed about what is done with their information online.
Search engines – such as Google, Yahoo, Bing, and a variety of other smaller search engines – help users find what they are looking for online by finding web pages that match user-entered keywords. Search engines are free to users, but typically earn revenue through paid advertising.
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TAP Blog
Stanford economist Matthew Gentzkow presents his findings that deactivating Facebook leaves people less informed but happier.
October 8, 2021
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“This is such a terrifying assault on intimate privacy. It incentivizes spying and exposure of women and girls and their intimate relationships and reproductive life that is unfathomably troubling.” — Danielle Citron, Professor of Law, University of Virginia
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Featured Article
This paper presents a formal analysis of advertising when the Internet allows targeting of advertisements.
April 30, 2010
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