Story perspectives

Doctorow: Weak Competition Fuels Internet Platform Abuse

10/21/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Cory Doctorow argues that internet platforms degrade over time due to weak competition and insufficient pro-consumer regulations.
He says these platforms mistreat users and business customers because there is little threat of losing them to rivals.
He describes barriers such as network effects and switching costs that protect platforms and keep customers from leaving.
He notes that government intervention has been limited, allowing these companies to operate without meaningful consequences.

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Story summary

Cory Doctorow argues that internet platforms degrade over time due to weak competition and insufficient pro-consumer regulations.
He says these platforms mistreat users and business customers because there is little threat of losing them to rivals.
He describes barriers such as network effects and switching costs that protect platforms and keep customers from leaving.
He notes that government intervention has been limited, allowing these companies to operate without meaningful consequences.