Digital Ecosystems are platform-based networks centred around specific customer needs (e-commerce, media). These platforms make integration easy and promote diversity. At the same time, a ‘winner takes it all’ tendency poses risks to diversity.

Organised by the Antitrust, T.R.A.D.E. and IP/TMT Commissions, the working session will explore the characteristics, benefits and challenges of ecosystems from different angles addressing issues such as the use (and misuse) of personal information, dominance of platforms, discrimination by pricing algorithms, latest U.S. developments, and the platforms’ liabilities.

Online platform services can connect all people, no matter who they are, where they live, what they do. But the questions are: How to enable diversity in this new digital area and to allow all those involved equal access? How to protect the weaker parties in business in the digital era? By the market or the legislator? Can competition law do the trick? What are the responsibilities (and liabilities) that a platform faces? These and other questions will be discussed during this interactive session.