Middlemen have become crucial players of today’s modern economy, especially with the rise of digital platforms. Once expected to fade with the advent of the internet, these intermediaries have instead reinvented themselves as powerful digital gatekeepers. Platforms like Amazon, Uber, and Airbnb have shifted the role of traditional middlemen into something far more influential. These companies thrive by connecting consumers with providers, often charging a fee for access to their services while controlling the flow of transactions. The expansion of platform-based middlemen reflects a fundamental shift in how commerce is structured. Rather than diminishing, the role of intermediaries has been enhanced, embedding itself into everyday activities. Whether it’s ordering food, booking transportation, or shopping online, consumers regularly interact with platforms that control access to goods and services. These platforms often decide what products, services, and providers gain visibility, significantly impacting what consumers can purchase and how much they pay. This increasing reliance on middlemen raises critical questions about market power. With access to essential services and products often contingent upon these digital platforms, concerns about market competition and consumer freedom are on the rise. The sheer dominance of platforms like Amazon and Uber means that the economy may no longer