Multi-Sided Platforms – Legal Implications of Definitional Gaps

The matter of digital platforms and their treatment in competition law have attracted much attention. Not only through investigations into Google, Face-book and Amazon, but also with the issuing of several reports. The antitrust debate surrounding digital platforms is huge and encompasses polarized discussions on e.g. killer acquisitions, algorithm collusions, or the role of Big Data for market power. Some even refer to gaps when it comes to regulating platforms adequately. However, more practical, and somewhat overlooked, is the need for a solid definition of multi-sided platforms, allowing for their identification in the first place. A matter with direct legal implications for the enforcement of competition law as detailed below