Abstract
The structure of the digital market of e-commerce platforms is dynamic, with a combination of characteristics such as strong network effects, concentrated multi-sided platforms, extreme economies of scale and scope, low marginal costs, and high data returns. These strong network externalities within the multisided e-commerce market make the competitive environment in e-commerce significantly different from the conventional monogamous market as they create gatekeeper positions favouring a few incumbent e-commerce platforms. In these circumstances, gatekeeper incumbent e-commerce platforms often set commercial conditions that have the effect of undermining other players and potential rivals within the ecosystem. In this regard, there has been a trend of raising concerns globally on the inability of the conventional competition law framework to appreciate the extent of consumer harm arising thereto. Further, with the increasing trend in e-commerce, the potential harms arising thereon affect the market and particularly the individual end-user consumers in many ways, such as price discrimination. This research employs a doctrinal research method, wherein the primary data is obtained through systematic content analysis based on relevant reports and articles. This research identifies the consumer harms in the e-commerce platforms market based on theoretical analysis of competition law and consumer protection law focusing on digital market characteristics.
Recommended Citation (provided in OSCOLA format)
Tze Chin Ong Dr, Mei Fei Lee Ms., Norhoneydayati Abdul Manap, Zalina Abdul Halim Dr., and Sridevi Thambapillay,
"Consumer Harms Arising From The Competition Dynamic Of E-Commerce Platforms In Malaysia"
(2023)
11
International Journal on Consumer Law and Practice
Available at:
https://repository.nls.ac.in/ijclp/vol11/iss1/5
