It's not a crime if we do it with an app (pluralistic.net)

Article summary

The article discusses how large corporations, particularly in the food industry, use apps and data brokers to collude and fix prices, leading to inflation and harming small businesses and consumers. This practice is often justified by the notion that 'it's not a crime if we do it with an app'. The article cites examples of companies like Cal-Maine Foods and Lamb Weston, which control large portions of the market and use data brokers to set prices. The author argues that this kind of price-fixing is not unique to the food industry and can be seen in other sectors, such as real estate and transportation.

Main themes

• Price-fixing and collusion
• Corporate power and influence
• Regulatory capture and enforcement
• Inflation and economic impact
• Technological enablement of anti-competitive practices

What commenters say

• Some companies, like Uber and Airbnb, have successfully disrupted traditional industries by breaking rules and regulations, but this approach can be problematic and lead to unintended consequences.
• The use of apps and technology does not justify or legitimize illegal activities, such as price-fixing or theft, and companies should not be allowed to flout the law with impunity.
• The notion that 'it's not a crime if we do it with an app' is a flawed argument that ignores the harm caused by anti-competitive practices and the need for regulatory oversight.
• The examples of companies like Netflix, Craigslist, and eBay, which are often cited as successful disruptors, are not necessarily relevant to the issue of price-fixing and collusion, as they operated within existing legal frameworks and complied with regulations.
• The ends do not always justify the means, and companies should not be allowed to prioritize profits over people and the law, even if it leads to short-term gains or innovation.
• The concept of 'disruption' is often used to justify harmful and anti-competitive practices, and it is time to reevaluate the impact of this ideology on society and the economy.
• Regulatory capture and lax enforcement can enable companies to engage in anti-competitive practices, and stronger oversight and enforcement are needed to prevent this kind of behavior.
• The use of data brokers and apps to facilitate price-fixing and collusion is a serious issue that requires attention and action from regulators and policymakers.