“Is there a case for stronger regulation of online platforms and other digital businesses?” This is the burning question that the Deutscher Juristentag (DJT), a renowned association of German lawyers existing since 1860, chose to deal with this year. The DJT meets every two years to discuss hot topics and to make recommendations to law-makers. The DJT commissioned an expert opinion by Rupprecht Podszun on the issue to prepare the discussions. Professor Podszun fills the Chair for Civil Law, German and European Competition Law at Heinrich Heine University. He has now presented his expert opinion.
Podszun is convinced that a stronger regulation of companies such as Google or Facebook is necessary. “The digital platforms have performed exceptionally well and generated enormous benefits. In the meantime, however, they have acquired a threatening power across markets. This is no longer just about free competition. It is a more fundamental matter: Who sets the rules in the economy? Is it a matter for society – or for a few strong companies?”
In the study, Professor Podszun shows why the “super platforms” have become such a challenge for the law. He identifies three principles that have to be implemented when regulating online platforms. Finally, specific regulatory options are presented.
The DJT has postponed its deliberations on this topic until its next meeting in 2022 due to the pandemic. “I am curious to see whether the study will pass the test of time”, says Podszun. “However, we cannot wait until 2022 before we get serious about taming the internet giants”.
The DJT expert opinion is published by C.H. Beck in German: https://www.beck-shop.de/deutscher-juristentag-djt-empfiehlt-staerkere-regulierung-online-plattformen-digitalunternehmen/product/29796346