At this point in the ongoing evolution of the Internet, most online activities rely on digitally interconnected ecosystems built on top of the Internet’s access layers. These online platforms have become resources for users to reap the benefits of the connected world. The European Commission has taken initial steps to develop a suitable regulatory framework for the platform-enabled economy through its “Regulation on promoting fairness and transparency for business users of online intermediation services,” but further work is required to ensure a sustainable development of the platform-enabled online economy.
To that end, the Commission should now adopt initiatives establishing certain key rights, such as: non-discrimination in digital platform access and conditions of use; fair contract terms; transparency; fair data use; and the ability to change to and use multiple digital platforms.