Big digital platforms or “Big Tech” companies are the object of extensive academic research, competition policies, antitrust proceedings, and new regulatory framework proposals. We investigate the hypothesis that large platforms have at least a temporary monopoly on access to a large variety and volume of data. We identify three basic first-viewer advantages that improve next-period forecasting accuracy. A large platform provider can use these informational advantages to shape its platform rules to keep their platform advantages. We offer three specific public policy recommendations to improve social welfare that are in line with those advanced by some policymakers.
