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Competition Law (and Its Limits) in the Sharing Economy

 |  November 2, 2017

Posted by Social Science Research Network

Competition Law (and Its Limits) in the Sharing Economy

By Niamh Dunne (London School of Economics)

Abstract:     This contribution considers the potential application of competition law—specifically, the EU ‘antitrust’ rules found in Articles 101 and 102 TFEU—within the sharing economy. Although from one perspective a paradigmatic example of dynamic and effective competition, concerns exist that the competitive forces generated by and taking place within the sharing economy are inherently unfair and thus illegitimate; and that the success of its business models may result in market power and anticompetitive behaviour. The chapter considers the extent to which competition law might and should apply to constrain ostensibly anticompetitive conduct within such markets.

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