Market Power in Data (Protection) Law

Abstract

The relationship between data protection law and antitrust law is – also and especially with regard to undertakings with a dominant position in the market of digital economy (i.e. big tech companies) – with good reason a highlighted subject of legislation and case law, legal practice and research activities. This article examines whether and to what extent the antitrust law-concept of market power may have effects in the fields of data protection law. The very elements of lawfulness laid down in Article 6 of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which are decisive for the lawful processing of personal data, are used as a reference for this purpose. Market Power, Antitrust Law, Dominant Position, Legitimate Interests, Consent, Data Portability, Voluntariness