Legal Conceptualization of Healthy Economic Competition in the Digital Space and Sanctions for Its Violation

Abstract

Healthy economic competition in the digital space is regarded as one of the fundamental components of sustainable economic development and the improvement of the quality of goods and services. However, ensuring the integrity of this competition in an environment where modern technologies and cyberspace constitute the primary domain of economic activities requires the formulation and enforcement of effective legal sanctions. In this regard, the central question of this article is: “What sanctions for the violation of healthy competition are provided in Iran’s domestic laws?” An examination of domestic laws and regulations reveals that sanctions are categorized into three general domains: criminal, civil, and administrative-disciplinary. In the criminal domain, penalties such as imprisonment, fines, and other deterrent measures are imposed against intentional and organized offenders, playing an important role in preventing monopolies, price-fixing conspiracies, and serious violations. In the civil domain, mechanisms such as compensation for damages, the right to terminate contracts, and the imposition of financial penalties are designed to protect the rights of victims and to remedy the harm caused by violations. Furthermore, intellectual and moral property rights, as one of the key pillars of healthy competition in the digital space, are reinforced through legal protections. In the administrative and disciplinary domain, tools such as monetary fines, revocation of business licenses, and corrective measures by institutions such as the Competition Council are envisaged to prevent anti-competitive behavior and ensure transparency in digital markets. Altogether, these sanctions establish a comprehensive framework for addressing violations and preserving healthy economic competition in the digital space. The methodology of the present article is descriptive-analytical, and the analytical tool is library-based research.