Author(s)

XuRui Wang

Affiliation(s)

School of Humanity and Law, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230000, Anhui, China.

Corresponding Author

XuRui Wang

ABSTRACT

The rapid development of the digital economy has given rise to the issue of self-preferential treatment by digital platforms. This paper argues that self-preferential treatment stems from the dual role of platform operators and the "anchoring effect" in the operation of digital platforms. Self-preferential treatment conducted by digital platforms is a manifestation of the leverage effect in the digital economy, thus requiring corresponding anti-monopoly regulation. However, platform self-preferential treatment is significantly different from the restricted transactions, tying, and differential treatment stipulated in the current Anti-Monopoly Law. It should be regarded as an independent abuse of dominant market position and the concept of digital essential facilities should be introduced to regulate such behavior.

KEYWORDS

Digital platforms; Self-preferential treatment; Anti-monopoly

CITE THIS PAPER

XuRui Wang. Self-preferential treatment of digital platforms and its anti-monopoly regulation. World Journal of Sociology and Law. 2025, 3(1): 52-57. DOI: https://doi.org/10.61784/wjsl3023.

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