American Economic Journal:
Microeconomics
ISSN 1945-7669 (Print) | ISSN 1945-7685 (Online)
Monopolistic Data Dumping
American Economic Journal: Microeconomics
(pp. 534–59)
Abstract
A profit-maximizing monopolist curates a database for users seeking to learn a parameter. There are two user types: "Nowcasters" wish to learn the parameter's current value, while "forecasters" target its long-run value. Data storage involves a constant marginal cost. The monopolist designs a menu of contracts described by fees and data-access levels. The profit-maximizing menu offers full access to historical data, while current data are fully provided to nowcasters but may be withheld from forecasters. Compared to the social optimum, the monopolist keeps too much historical data, keeps too little current data, and may store too much data overall.Citation
Eliaz, Kfir, and Ran Spiegler. 2026. "Monopolistic Data Dumping." American Economic Journal: Microeconomics 18 (4): 534–59. DOI: 10.1257/mic.20250260Additional Materials
JEL Classification
- C53 Forecasting Models; Simulation Methods
- C80 Data Collection and Data Estimation Methodology; Computer Programs: General
- D42 Market Structure, Pricing, and Design: Monopoly
- L12 Monopoly; Monopolization Strategies
- L86 Information and Internet Services; Computer Software