Research on Legal Liability and Compliance Governance in the Operation of the Platform Economy

Abstract

The rapid expansion of the platform economy has fundamentally reshaped global market structures and social interactions, yet the legal framework governing platform liability and compliance governance remains significantly fragmented and underdeveloped. This study aims to systematically examine the complex legal status of platform operators, the equitable allocation of liability among diverse platform ecosystem participants, and the construction of robust, effective compliance governance mechanisms. Through a rigorous doctrinal legal analysis combined with an in-depth case study methodology, this research comprehensively analyzes regulatory frameworks, judicial decisions, and policy documents from China alongside key comparative jurisdictions, such as the European Union and the United States. The findings reveal three critical challenges: the hybrid legal nature of platforms acting simultaneously as market participants and private regulators, the glaring inadequacy of traditional liability allocation models in addressing intricate multi-party digital transactions, and the inherent tension between platform self-regulation and stringent public oversight. Based on a meticulous examination of existing databases, including extensive court rulings from China Judgment Online and regulatory enforcement records spanning from 2020 to 2025, this study proposes an innovative tiered liability framework. Furthermore, it advocates for a cooperative governance model that seamlessly integrates platform accountability with proactive public supervision, emphasizing algorithmic transparency and data protection. Ultimately, this research contributes significantly to the theoretical understanding of digital platform governance and offers highly practical, actionable recommendations for future regulatory design and policy implementation.