UNCTAD – Global Competition Law and Policy to Digital Markets

The digital economy has rapidly evolved in the 21st century, leading to significant economic growth and benefits for consumers through innovations in digital markets. However, the increasing concentration of big tech companies in these markets poses challenges for competition. UNCTAD has been addressing these issues through discussions, research, and collaborations with member States and academia. Competition authorities worldwide are recognizing the risks posed by digital platforms and making efforts to mitigate anticompetitive practices while fostering innovation. Traditional competition regimes have struggled to address competition concerns in digital markets, especially in developing countries with limited resources and experience in enforcing competition law. The European Union's Digital Market Act represents a significant governance change in digital markets, but various jurisdictions are exploring different approaches tailored to their legal systems, cultures, and economic development stages. This report highlights the diverse strategies being implemented to address competition concerns in digital markets.