Legal Regulation Research on Internet Platform Blocking Behavior

Abstract

With the rapid expansion of internet platforms in recent years and the escalating fierce competition among major players, the prevalence of mutual blocking behaviors between platforms has increased. Some super internet platforms' actions of blocking API interfaces and links of other platforms violate the core principle of "interconnectivity" on the internet. Such behavior damages market competition, impacts the user experience of a vast number of users, and raises concerns about monopolistic practices. However, traditional approaches to determining market dominance and related market elements have shown inadequacies. To address these issues, this paper proposes the introduction of the "essential facilities" and "gatekeeper" principles, combining specific case analyses of platform blocking behaviors. This approach aims to ensure that internet platforms adhere to fair competition principles, maintain market competition order, and safeguard user rights.