Today’s policymakers, particularly in the technology space, seem to favor preemptive interventions consistent with the “precautionary principle” of regulation. This holds that it is better to prevent problems before they happen but eschews cost-benefit analysis when creating rules. In contrast, previous academic research documenting regulatory costs led to a loosening of regulatory regimes. What accounts for the newfound infatuation with the regulatory state? An all-star panel of academics will discuss this shift in attitudes towards the regulatory state and its possible consequences during the opening session: “Fall and Rise of the Regulatory State” at this year’s TPI Aspen Forum.
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Event – Innovation, Regulation, and the EU’s Digital Single Market Strategy
The European Commission’s Digital Single Market Strategy is intended to break down the numerous barriers to cross-border online activity that currently exist in the European Union. The proposal covers a broad array of policies, including harmonizing EU rules for online purchases of goods, improving cross-border parcel delivery, integrating telecommunications regulation, and reducing burdens of different VAT regimes. While many of these proposals do not seem controversial – at least on this side of the Atlantic – some require closer scrutiny. For example, the strategy document includes a section on online platforms, reflecting the support of some officials for a general regulatory framework for “essential digital platforms.” In addition, the Commission is launching in tandem with the Digital Single Market Strategy a competition law inquiry in the e-commerce area.
Ridesharing Services Improve Traditional Taxi Service
Competition introduced by the rising popularity of ridesharing services, such as Uber, is improving the consumer experience of both ridesharing and traditional taxicabs users, explains Scott Wallsten in “The Competitive Effects of the Sharing Economy: How is Uber Changing Taxis?” released today by the Technology Policy Institute.
Should Absence of Harm be Sufficient for Merger Approval?
After Charter and Time Warner Cable announced their intention to merge, Federal Communications Commission Chairman Tom Wheeler released a statement noting that “an absence of harm is not sufficient” to approve a merger. But it should be. Why would the government block a merger it believes isn’t bad?