Today’s digital economy is radically different from previous ones in that it is increasingly dependent on, and driven by, the mass collection and algorithmic use of digital data, especially personal data. Canada’s competition policy has yet to catch up with these changes. The federal government’s recent consultation on the future of competition policy represents an important opportunity to examine the implications of digital data for markets and to rethink the policy frameworks that underpin those markets in light of these impacts. Canada can learn from how other countries are rethinking and restructuring their competition policy.
This workshop consists of two parts:
- an analysis of these policy proposals and changes, focusing specifically on how they address the implications of digital data for market competition and innovation; and
- a discussion of coordination and regulatory coherence around digital technologies. Who does what, how and for what purpose? Where do gaps exist, and where is there necessary (or unnecessary) overlap among agencies?
