Regulatory Complexities in the Digital Economy Antitrust and Data Protection in Platform Markets

The platform economy, led by digital giants like Amazon, Google, and Facebook, has transformed global markets and raised critical regulatory concerns, particularly in antitrust and data protection. This study examines these challenges using the IMRAD structure, beginning with an exploration of how platform dominance leads to monopolistic behavior, such as self-preferencing and predatory pricing. The research adopts a mixed-method approach, combining quantitative analysis of market concentration through the Herfindahl-Hirschman Index (HHI) and qualitative case studies on data protection compliance. Findings reveal high market concentration in sectors like e-commerce and online advertising, signaling monopolistic tendencies. Additionally, while platforms have improved compliance with regulations like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), data misuse and privacy violations remain prevalent. The study concludes that existing regulatory frameworks are insufficient to address the unique dynamics of these digital markets, and calls for stronger global cooperation and regulatory innovation to foster competition and protect user data.