Big techs, data protection, and competition regulation in a data-driven economy

Context: The rapid growth of the Information Economy and the consolidation of the Big Tech Monopoly in Digital Markets have made privacy and data protection a central concern for consumers and regulatory authorities worldwide. The increasing relevance of personal data as both a market asset and a fundamental right has highlighted the need for new regulatory approaches to address these issues. Objective: This article aims to explore how competition regulation can be used as a mechanism to protect privacy and data protection in the digital markets. Method: The research employs a qualitative approach through a critical analysis of relevant literature, including legal documents and reports from regulatory authorities. The analysis is conducted through a perspective that integrates competition regulation and privacy and data protection matters. In addition, its theoretical references are Shoshana Zuboff and Evgeny Morozov, besides other instruments of national and international regulatory law. Conclusions: The study concludes that competition regulation can play a vital role in protecting privacy and data protection in the digital markets. By promoting competition and preventing anti-competitive behavior by dominant players, competition law can help to create an environment where privacy and data protection are prioritized by companies. Additionally, competition policy can complement data protection regulation by providing an additional layer of protection for consumers.