Conference programme

Enforcers from various jurisdictions around the world will discuss the challenges of regulating the digital economy at the intersection of competition and communications laws. Topics will include jurisdictional challenges, cross-border cooperation, and the impact of new technologies such as artificial intelligence on regulatory frameworks.

This session will explore the latest trends in mergers and acquisitions within the technology, media, and telecommunications sectors. Panelists will examine recent cases, discuss the impact of increasing market concentration, and address the challenges regulators face in assessing the competitive impacts of mergers in these fast-evolving industries. Key topics will include the role of innovation, data privacy considerations, and the influence of global digital giants on competition and consumer choice.

The rise of digital platforms has reshaped global markets, creating both opportunities and challenges for businesses, consumers, and regulators. This session will discuss recent regulatory initiatives aimed at addressing the unique characteristics of platform markets, including issues of transparency, market power, and consumer protection. Experts will consider the implications of legislation such as the Digital Markets Act (DMA), assess its potential effectiveness, and debate the best approaches for fostering competition and innovation within the digital ecosystem.

As cloud computing becomes central to digital infrastructure, competition and regulatory issues around cloud services are drawing increased scrutiny. This session will cover the competitive dynamics and associated regulatory considerations in the cloud sector, including concerns about market dominance, interoperability, and data portability. Panelists will explore how competition law and regulation can address issues unique to the cloud ecosystem and discuss whether current regulatory frameworks are adequate to manage the growing importance and complexity of cloud services.

With increasing dependence on digital infrastructure comes a heightened focus on security and sovereignty in the digital realm. This session will delve into the intersection of competition law and national security concerns, addressing the implications of data localisation requirements, cybersecurity, and digital sovereignty policies. Experts will discuss how competition law and regulation can play a role in promoting secure and resilient digital markets while balancing national security interests and cross-border data flows.

Abuse of dominance remains a pressing issue in digital markets where a few large players often hold significant market power. This session will examine recent cases of alleged abuse, discuss the evolving standards for dominance in digital markets, and explore regulatory approaches to address such issues. Panelists will debate the role of competition law in curbing anti-competitive practices, including self-preferencing, unfair trading conditions, and barriers to entry, aiming to ensure a fair and competitive environment.