"Big data, differential pricing strategies, and privacy".

Recent developments in digital technologies have not only driven individuals to leave an increasingly long digital trace behind them, but have also made available the tools to assemble, harness and analyse large and complex datasets (so-called `Big data'). As a consequence, firms are now able to target prices to their customers with an unprecedented precision. Yet, the same technological developments have also enabled individuals to protect their privacy. The seminar has a twofold objective: first, analyze the sort of ‘hide-and-seek’ game that firms and consumers are now playing; second, examine how the use of big data affects price competition on markets.

Paul Belleflamme est professeur d'Economie à l'Université Catholique de Louvain.