Family and modern bankruptcy law Coordination of Economic Activities in the Context of Digital Transformation: from Associations and Unions to Digital Platforms

Abstract

The study examines the application of prohibition on anti-competitive coordination of economic activity in light of the emergence of a fundamentally new type of coordinator — digital platforms. It demonstrates that digital platforms, even without market dominance, can exert significant control over their participants through network effects, digital algorithms, and data control. The conclusion is drawn that in such cases, prohibition on anti-competitive coordination can serve as an effective tool for curbing anti-competitive practices in the digital environment. Special attention is given to distinguishing between “vertical” agreements and prohibited coordination, as well as the role of digital algorithms in amplifying anti-competitive effects. A comparative legal analysis of Russian and European regulation supports these conclusions, highlighting the need to adapt antitrust norms to the digital landscape.