The Hungarian Competition Authority (HCA) has initiated a market study to understand (i) the data online retailers collect on consumers; (ii) how and for what purposes online retailers use this data; and (iii) what consumers know and think of these practices. The HCA also aims to understand (iv) the nature of competitive advantages the data confers; and (v) what barriers to entry these practices create, especially for Hungarian SMEs. The HCA has a dual role in Hungary, it is the competition enforcer, but it also has consumer protection powers. The market study is relevant in both areas. The HCA's interest in digitalisation and online retail is long-standing, but the study itself was prompted by the growing popularity of online retail amidst the pandemic. The HCA expects that this popularity is here to stay and intends to prepare accordingly. The market study is focused on three product categories: technology, clothing and food-retail, chosen on the basis of their impact: more info in Hungarian on the HCA's website.
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