Study on Antitrust Regulation of Price Discrimination on Big Data Platforms

Abstract

The emergence of the big data era has opened up new opportunities for price discrimination, rendering it a widespread and inescapable tactic for competition. However, the application of big data algorithms by highly influential platforms for consumer segmentation and the execution of dissimilar pricing methods within similar circumstances does not automatically breach the provisions governing price discrimination set forth in the Antimonopoly Law. Antitrust law only becomes relevant in cases where there is evidence of competition being restricted or harmed. However, limitations arise when applying the traditional identification method to the emerging industry of big data platforms, necessitating innovative and improved approaches. Therefore, we examine the illegality and necessity of regulating price discrimination within the domestic big data platform, whilst reviewing the current situation and regulatory dilemmas. We aim to improve the analytical methods of traditional anti-monopoly laws to uphold fair competition in the market of big data platforms.