More research is needed on digital platforms and how they use personal data

The Swedish Consumer Agency, the Swedish Competition Authority and the Swedish Data Protection Authority have prepared a joint submission with proposals and comments on the Government’s research policy and the upcoming research policy bill.

“Today’s consumer is extensively present in digital markets. This offers a number of new opportunities, but also new risks. Digital retailing creates new challenges in consumer protection, as well as issues involving personal integrity and healthy competition,” says Cecilia Tisell, Director-General of the Swedish Consumer Agency.

The three agencies propose that the Government highlight the significance of integrated and interdisciplinary research on digital platforms and data-driven markets and how they use personal data. A research council should be commissioned to issue calls for proposals with research funding focused on this research in collaboration with the agencies.

“The increased use of personal data is currently an important driver behind the development of the digital economy. There is also a clear risk of misuse and that information is sold on, which means that consumers lose control over their personal data,” says Linda Lindgren Schelin, Director-General of the Swedish Data Protection Authority.

“Digital platforms can contribute to increased competition and increase choices for consumers. At the same time, the platforms can use the user data as a way to create lock-in effects. More research is needed about how digital platforms work and what effects they have for consumers and for new actors wanting to enter the markets,” says Rikard Jermsten, Director-General of the Swedish Competition Authority.

Read the joint submission (in Swedish)