Digital platforms and large technology companies - often referred to as Big Tech - play a dominant role in our society's digital infrastructure. From search engines and social networks to cloud infrastructure and app stores, public and private sectors are increasingly dependent on a small number of tech giants. At the same time, social and political calls for control, transparency and regulation are growing. The topic dossier "Big Tech / Platforms" focuses on these strategic, legal and ethical dynamics.

In this dossier, we address:

• The market power and influence of major platforms such as Google, Meta, Amazon, Apple, Microsoft and TikTok - and their role in communications, data economy and information delivery.
• The distinction between gatekeepers and other market participants, and the rise of platformization in various sectors.
• Relevant laws and regulations, including:
  • The Digital Markets Act (DMA) - aimed at countering monopolistic behavior;
  • The Digital Services Act (DSA) - with obligations around content moderation, transparency and risk management;
  • The AVG and national data protection laws;
  • Discussions of fiscal justice, competition and digital sovereignty.
• Current developments such as European enforcement against platform abuse, the rise of alternative platforms, and the debate over data and AI sovereignty.
• Case examples of public dependence on Big Tech (such as cloud services in healthcare or education) as well as public and private strategies to operate more resiliently or independently