Position Paper on the Platform to Business Regulation

A predictable business environment is essential for trust in the platform economy and growth of all intermediaries and the businesses they facilitate. Thousands of platforms are providing services for their business partners in the EU. They have become one of the key players and elements of disruptive services, advancing the Digital Single Market (DSM). The European Commission published its Proposal for a “Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on promoting fairness and transparency for business users of online intermediation services”, on 26 April 2018. The proposal addresses issues that concern businesses, intermediaries and search engines with regard to transparency, fair business conduct and complaint handling.

Bitkom welcomes the aim of facilitating a harmonized environment in the European Union with regard to platforms. Strengthening the internal market and legal harmonization will facilitate better cross-border relationships and help building a stronger, more attractive DSM. Business partners from other member states can also rely on rules regarding their relationships with an intermediary or a search engine, being of the same standard.

Bitkom appreciates the proposal´s aim to create a better level playing field for platforms and strengthening fair business conduct for all intermediaries and their business partners. Transparency can strengthen trust and the relationships between platforms and their users, businesses and consumers alike. While we welcome the aims and prospects of the proposal, some Articles require clarification or amendments to balance all relevant interests and make the regulation more applicable.