Online Platform Dominance: The Case for “First Viewer” Advantages

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Big digital platforms or “Big Tech” companies are the object of extensive academic research, competition policies, antitrust proceedings, and new regulatory framework proposals. We investigate the hypothesis that large platforms have at least a temporary monopoly on access to a large variety and volume of data. We identify three basic first-viewer advantages that improve next-period forecasting accuracy. A large platform provider can use these informational advantages to shape its platform rules to keep their platform advantages. We offer three specific public policy recommendations to improve social welfare that are in line with those advanced by some policymakers.

Original languageAmerican English
Pages (from-to)131-149
Number of pages19
JournalRutgers Business Review
Volume8
Issue number2
StatePublished - Sep 1 2023
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Business and International Management
  • Strategy and Management

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