Platform Sovereignty: When Private Platforms Become Economic Institutions

Platform Sovereignty: When Private Platforms Become Economic Institutions examines how digital platforms can become essential gateways to work, trade, audiences, payments and reputation. Herbert R. Sim argues that access to a platform does not by itself give participants control over the economic value and relationships they build there. Opaque decisions, unilateral rule changes and high switching costs can leave users dependent on an institution they cannot meaningfully challenge or leave.

The article proposes clearer rules, meaningful review of decisions, portable records and reputation, interoperability, and viable alternatives. These measures aim to preserve people’s ability to participate, retain earned value and exit with dignity.