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Under the Perspective of Anti-monopoly: Expansion of Digital Platform Gatekeeper Obligation and Responsibility Shaping

Author(s)

Zexiu Li

Affiliation(s)

Xiangtan University, Xiangtan, Hunan, China

Abstract

Given the super-network effects of data, algorithms, and interfaces that enable leading digital platforms to assume the triple identity of "market player-rule-maker-de facto regulator," traditional antitrust tools centered on price analysis and ex post remedies have fallen into systemic failure. Comparative studies of U.S. ex post enforcement, the EU's Digital Markets Act, Germany's GWB10, and the UK's DMCC practices reveal that the "gatekeeper" paradigm is replacing pure dominance regulation as a key approach to addressing platform competition disorder and governance vacuum. Accordingly, a ternary framework of gatekeeper responsibilities applicable to China can be constructed. First, in the dimension of competitive order, a negative list should be implemented alongside mandatory disclosure for small acquisitions, while institutionalizing data portability and interface interoperability obligations to weaken lock-in effects. Second, in the dimension of public governance, third-party algorithmic transparency audits, entrusted data sharing pools, and public interface standards should be introduced to encourage platforms to internalize algorithmic biases and information risks. Third, in the dimension of pluralistic values, differentiated encryption, compliance sandboxes, and proportionate enforcement tools can be employed to achieve a dynamic balance between efficiency, innovation, and fairness. This framework aims to address the externalities posed by the infrastructure of platforms, providing an operational institutional blueprint for digital economy governance, demonstrating that expanding gatekeeper obligations is a dual path to preventing monopolies and activating sustainable innovation.

Keywords

Digital Platform; Gatekeeper; Anti-Monopoly; Data Portability; Platform Economy

References

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