The ‘Peter Parker principle’
The pandemic has had a significant impact on the way that the world shops, perhaps with lasting effects. As a result of COVID-19, many physical shops were forced to close, driving a nation of voracious consumers onto online shopping platforms, supercharging our use and their profits.
In an article first published by New Law Journal, Sarah Moore and Stuart Warmington discuss product liability and the platform economy at home and abroad. They explore the ‘Peter Parker principle’, which states that with ‘great power comes great responsibility’, and due to the significant shift in our shopping habits, there is little doubt that online platforms now wield even more power over consumers regarding what, how and when we buy. Consequently, posing an urgent question for regulators, consumer advocates and those adversely affected by products purchased through online platforms - how can Big Tech balance this great power with appropriate legal responsibilities?