Multisided Platform Analysis and Competition Law Enforcement Practice in Brics Countries

Abstract

As leading businesses organize themselves as two-sided platforms, developed economies competition authorities have adapted their practice. Younger jurisdictions also face the challenge to review and use new analytics. We explore the recent evolution of two-sided platform markets analysis in BRICS countries, focusing on a key point for competition policy enforcement: relevant market definition. The extensive review suggests that the countries have adopted the concepts and analytical practice for two-sided platform relevant market definition at different paces. Differences in competition policy institutional design might account for the heterogeneity. BRICS authorities with broader mandates, that handle larger number of cases, and with no separation between adjudication and investigation have lagged in the adoption of such tools and practices.