Mobile Privacy and Business-to-Platform Dependencies: An Analysis of SEC Disclosures

Journal of Business & Technology Law, 2019, Vol. 14, pp. 49-105

59 Pages Posted: 15 Apr 2019

See all articles by Ronan Ó Fathaigh

Ronan Ó Fathaigh

University of Amsterdam - Institute for Information Law (IViR)

Joris van Hoboken

University of Amsterdam

Nico Van Eijk

University of Amsterdam

Date Written: January 17, 2019

Abstract

This Article systematically examines the dependence of mobile apps on mobile platforms for the collection and use of personal information through an analysis of Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filings of mobile app companies. The Article uses these disclosures to find systematic evidence of how app business models are shaped by the governance of user data by mobile platforms, in order to reflect on the role of platforms in privacy regulation more generally. The analysis of SEC filings documented in the Article produces new and unique insights into the data practices and data-related aspects of the business models of popular mobile apps and shows the value of SEC filings for privacy law and policy research more generally. The discussion of SEC filings and privacy builds on regulatory developments in SEC disclosures and cybersecurity of the last decade. The Article also connects to recent regulatory developments in the U.S. and Europe, including the General Data Protection Regulation, the proposals for a new ePrivacy Regulation and a Regulation of fairness in business-to-platform relations.

Keywords: mobile platforms, mobile apps, data privacy, transparency, securities regulation

Suggested Citation

Ó Fathaigh, Ronan and van Hoboken, Joris V. J. and Van Eijk, Nico, Mobile Privacy and Business-to-Platform Dependencies: An Analysis of SEC Disclosures (January 17, 2019). Journal of Business & Technology Law, 2019, Vol. 14, pp. 49-105, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3361697

Ronan Ó Fathaigh (Contact Author)

University of Amsterdam - Institute for Information Law (IViR) ( email )

Nieuwe Achtergracht 166
Amsterdam, 1000 BA
Netherlands

Joris V. J. Van Hoboken

University of Amsterdam ( email )

Spui 21
Amsterdam, 1018 WB
Netherlands

Nico Van Eijk

University of Amsterdam ( email )

Spui 21
Amsterdam, 1018 WB
Netherlands

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