The Protimonopolný úrad Slovenskej republiky (PMÚ) has announced the launch of monitoring activities focused on the conduct and obligations of discount portals operating in Slovakia, signaling increased regulatory scrutiny over potential abuse of dominant position in the digital platform economy.
According to the authority, the initiative aims to assess whether operators of discount portals comply with competition rules and whether their business practices may distort fair competition or impose unfair conditions on business partners. The PMÚ stated that it has “launched monitoring of the functioning of discount portals’ obligations,” reflecting concerns that platforms with strong market positions may exercise disproportionate influence over merchants and contractual terms.
Discount portals typically act as intermediaries between service providers, such as restaurants, wellness facilities, and travel operators, and consumers seeking discounted offers. Due to their role as key gateways to customers, these platforms can acquire significant market power, particularly when network effects and brand recognition limit the ability of merchants to switch to alternative channels.
The PMÚ’s monitoring will focus on whether contractual conditions imposed by discount portals may restrict competition, unfairly limit the commercial freedom of participating businesses, or create barriers to entry for competing platforms. The authority is expected to examine practices such as exclusivity clauses, pricing restrictions, transparency of contractual terms, and the allocation of risks between platforms and merchants.
The authority emphasized that ensuring compliance with competition law is essential to maintaining a fair and competitive digital environment. In particular, the PMÚ highlighted the importance of preventing situations in which dominant platforms could exploit their position to impose disproportionate obligations or transfer commercial risks onto business users.
This monitoring activity does not in itself constitute a formal infringement proceeding but represents an important preliminary step that allows the authority to gather market information and assess whether further investigation is warranted. Should the PMÚ identify evidence suggesting abuse of dominant position, it may initiate formal proceedings that could lead to corrective measures or financial penalties.
The initiative reflects broader trends across Europe, where competition authorities are increasingly focusing on digital platforms that function as intermediaries and gatekeepers. The PMÚ’s action signals its intention to ensure that discount portals operate in compliance with competition law principles and do not undermine fair market conditions.