GDPR Myopia: how a well-intended regulation ended up favouring large online platforms - the case of ad tech

Geradin, Damien, Karanikioti, Theano and Katsifis, Dimitrios (2021) GDPR Myopia: how a well-intended regulation ended up favouring large online platforms - the case of ad tech. European Competition Journal, 17 (1). pp. 47-92. ISSN 1744-1056

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Abstract

This paper argues that while the GDPR has arguably delivered positive outcomes by enhancing the protection afforded to data subjects, it has also had adverse effects on competition by strengthening the position of large online platforms in certain markets. In addition, the GDPR has given large platforms a tool to harm rivals by restricting access to the data they need to compete effectively. The present paper focuses on digital advertising and the ad tech industry, where the GDPR appears to have strengthened Google and Facebook. The purpose of this paper is not to call for the weakening of the GDPR, whose positive impact on users cannot be ignored. While from a policy standpoint regulators should thus maintain or even increase the level of protection offered by this legislation, it is vital that they take steps to mitigate its adverse effects on other dimensions of welfare, such as competition.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: facebook‌,gdpr,google,ad tech,competition,online advertising,online platforms,privacy,programmatic advertising,economics, econometrics and finance (miscellaneous),law ,/dk/atira/pure/subjectarea/asjc/2000/2001
Faculty \ School: Faculty of Social Sciences > School of Law
Related URLs:
Depositing User: LivePure Connector
Date Deposited: 08 Jan 2021 01:07
Last Modified: 08 Mar 2024 08:30
URI: https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/78116
DOI: 10.1080/17441056.2020.1848059

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