Digital Platforms and the New 19a Tool in the German Competition Act

In this article we present and critically evaluate the newly introduced section 19a of German Competition Act. The provision applies to operators two-sided platforms networks that Bundeskartellamt classifies as being ‘paramount significance for competition across markets’. Using examples previous abuse cases, discuss which firms may eventually be addressees new instrument. We analyse list prohibitable practices point normative uncertainties regards assessment platform activities. merits abridged judicial review. Finally, consider pro-spect continuing fragmentation in legal treatment digital internal market assess interaction with Digital Markets Act proposed by European Commission.