Competition Law (and Its Limits) in the Sharing Economy

Dunne, Niamh

Competition Law (and Its Limits) in the Sharing Economy

Forthcoming, Nestor Davidson, Michèle Finck and John Infranca (eds.), Cambridge Handbook on Law and Regulation of the Sharing Economy (Cambridge University Press 2018).

22 Pages Posted: 27 Oct 2017

See all articles by Niamh Dunne

Niamh Dunne

London School of Economics - Law School

Date Written: October 25, 2017

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.

Keywords: sharing economy, competition law, antitrust, regulation

JEL Classification: K20, K21, K23

Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation

Dunne, Niamh, Competition Law (and Its Limits) in the Sharing Economy (October 25, 2017). Forthcoming, Nestor Davidson, Michèle Finck and John Infranca (eds.), Cambridge Handbook on Law and Regulation of the Sharing Economy (Cambridge University Press 2018). , Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3058697