THE DIGITAL PLATFORM USAGE AGREEMENT: THE LEGAL STRUCTURE OF THE BUSINESS MODELS OF COLLABORATIVE ECONOMY

Abstract

By means of the digital platform usage agreement, one party enables another to use a digital product on the internet, aimed at sharing information or establishing communication in exchange or not for an agreed sum of money. It is about a wide form of contract comprising a lot of communication platforms, games, music, audiovisual content, social media, management procedures, exchange of goods or services; among many others. Without prejudice to the fact that each product has its own specific characteristics, the structure of the relationship between the parties is the same. In all cases, we have a subject who provides a web space where users can access to consume, share and exchange information or establish communications. In this paper, we propose an analysis of the contractual relationship that connects the platform operator with their users. Our focus is mainly on the business models of the collaborative economy.