Online platforms such as Google, Amazon, and Facebook play an
increasingly central role in the economy and society. They operate as
digital intermediaries across interconnected sectors and markets
subject to network effects. These firms have grown to an
unprecedented scale, propelled by data-driven business models.
Online platforms have a massive impact on individual users and
businesses, and are recasting the relationships between customers,
advertisers, workers and employers. This has triggered a public debate
on online platforms' economic dominance and patterns of pervasive
data collection. This study presents an analytical synthesis of the
literature,to assess the effects of online platforms on the economy and
society.

Reproduction and translation for non-commercial purposes are authorised, provided the source is acknowledged
and the European Parliament is given prior notice and sent a copy.