Adjusting the lens: new theories of harm for digital platforms

Main Article Content

Beatriz Kira
Diogo R. Coutinho

Abstract

This article examines the use of theories of harm in competition policy in cases involving digital platforms. The review of the literature and reports published by foreign authorities point to the necessity of developing new theories of harm for digital markets, to address non-monetary price increases, the reduction of quality, and deleterious effects to innovation. An analysis of previous cases decided by the Brazilian competition authority since 2012 shows that CADE has begun to recognise the relevance of these theories, but is yet to apply them systematically. The article argues that theories of harm, as frameworks for antitrust analysis, have an important role to play in innovating competition policy.

Article Details

Section
Revista de Defesa da Concorrência
Author Biographies

Beatriz Kira, USP

Doutoranda em direito econômico na Faculdade de Direito da Universidade de São Paulo, integrante do Grupo Direito e Políticas Públicas, e pesquisadora sênior na Blavatnik School of Government da Universidade de Oxford.

Diogo R. Coutinho, USP

Professor de direito econômico na Faculdade de Direito da USP, pesquisador do Grupo Direito e Políticas Públicas (USP) e bolsista Produtividade em Pesquisa do CNPq