O direito antitruste na economia digital : implicações concorrenciais do acesso a dados

The rising number of mergers involving digital companies has drawn attention of competition authorities to the problem regarding data access. However, there is much discussion about the suitability of this branch of law to the new economy. While the new economy is extremely dynamic, the instruments of antitrust law are essentially static. This difference could lead to the incomprehension of certain activities and to the improper application of the antitrust law, harming the social welfare, especially when limiting the incentives for innovation. Despite such risks, competition law has an important role in the digital economy. The control of economic power in the new economy is important to ensure that the society has the maximum enjoyment of the benefits of technological advances. Despite being a non-rival product, it does not follow that competition can be effective. Asymmetric information and, more importantly, behavioral issues serve as factors to entrench incumbent firms. Antitrust practitioners must attempt to those risks and control market power when necessary.