In our data‑driven economy, digital platforms have accumulated vast amounts of personal information, creating powerful monopolies while users struggle to control their own data. This dissertation examines the complex relationship between data sharing, privacy protection, and economic welfare from both societal and individual perspectives.
Through three interconnected studies, this work reveals that optimal data sharing—where users can port their data between platforms and use multiple services simultaneously—maximizes social benefits. However, current privacy regulations paradoxically undermine user autonomy, creating external pressures that lead to “privacy decision fatigue” and paradoxical behaviors where users share data despite privacy concerns.
The research demonstrates that while technological advances like shared data spaces offer promising alternatives to regulatory approaches, the key lies in empowering users with genuine control over their personal data. This comprehensive analysis provides crucial insights for policymakers, technology companies, and researchers working to balance innovation, competition, and privacy in digital markets.