Algorithmic Discrimination and Market Competition: Exploring the Ethical and Legal Issues of Algorithm Management by Internet Companies

The ongoing evolution of the Internet economy has led to the emergence of algorithmic management as a key strategy for enhancing business efficiency among Internet companies. However, this approach has also given rise to concerns about potential algorithmic discrimination. In practice, the opacity of algorithms, the absence of legislative and administrative oversight, the internal management of enterprises, and other factors contribute to the emergence of algorithmic discrimination. At present, research on this ethical and legal issue is largely confined to the regulation of macroeconomic and market levels, as well as the general protection of users from the perspective of consumer rights and interests. There are few direct specifications for the problem of algorithmic discrimination. Following a comprehensive examination of the relevant research methods, including normative analysis, case analysis, comparative analysis, and others, this study investigates the existence of algorithmic discrimination and unfair competitive practices employed by Internet companies from the perspectives of both consumers and Internet companies. The aim is to provide insights that can inform the advancement of algorithmic management practices in a manner that is beneficial to all stakeholders.