Protection Of Economic Competition On Digital Markets In Ukraine

Abstract

The article examines the content, types, and features of defining the boundaries of digital markets in Ukraine. The author’s definition of digital markets is provided — these are electronic platforms that function on the basis of digital technologies on the Internet, are sources of information, and allow to carry out electronic transactions based on it, which serve as a basis for moving, exchanging, buying and selling goods, works, and services. Types of digital markets have been studied. It was determined that it is possible to distinguish certain types of digital markets depending on the content of their specialization and types of transactions of participants and types of services that consumers receive. Particular attention is paid to defining the boundaries of digital markets. Technological, regulatory, product, and network effects affecting the establishment of digital market boundaries are identified. It was determined that the analysis of the competitive environment in digital markets includes the study of barriers to market entry and signs of oligopoly and monopoly. A corresponding study of the practice of protection of economic competition carried out by the European Commission and the Antimonopoly Committee of Ukraine was conducted. Proposals for developing legal protection of economic competition on digital markets in Ukraine have been formulated. In particular, it is proposed that the legal framework be developed and improved by adapting it to the international standards of the EU and OECD, which develop special rules for regulating digital markets. A proposal to create a special division within the competition department to investigate digital markets and conduct investigations into violations of antimonopoly legislation on digital markets has been formulated, and the directions of its activities have been determined. The need to develop economic analysis tools for assessing the market power of digital companies and identifying anti-competitive practices in cooperation with scientific institutions and using the experience of international organizations and leading OECD countries regarding regulation in the digital sphere was noted.