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Google, Facebook, Amazon, eBay: Is the Internet driving competition or market monopolization?

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  • Justus Haucap
  • Ulrich Heimeshoff

Abstract

This paper discusses the general characteristics of online markets from a competition theory perspective and the implications for competition policy. Three important Internet markets are analyzed in more detail: search engines, online auction platforms, and social networks. Given the high level of market concentration and the development of competition over time, we use our theoretical insights to examine whether (a) leading Internet platforms have non-temporary market power and, based on this analysis, (b) whether any specific market regulation beyond general competition law rules is warranted in these three online markets. Copyright Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2014

Suggested Citation

  • Justus Haucap & Ulrich Heimeshoff, 2014. "Google, Facebook, Amazon, eBay: Is the Internet driving competition or market monopolization?," International Economics and Economic Policy, Springer, vol. 11(1), pages 49-61, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:iecepo:v:11:y:2014:i:1:p:49-61
    DOI: 10.1007/s10368-013-0247-6
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Two-sided markets; Online markets; Digital economy; Antitrust; E-commerce; L12; L41; L81; L82; L86;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • L12 - Industrial Organization - - Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance - - - Monopoly; Monopolization Strategies
    • L41 - Industrial Organization - - Antitrust Issues and Policies - - - Monopolization; Horizontal Anticompetitive Practices
    • L81 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Services - - - Retail and Wholesale Trade; e-Commerce
    • L82 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Services - - - Entertainment; Media
    • L86 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Services - - - Information and Internet Services; Computer Software

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