Regulators from the European Union, the United Kingdom and the United States have signed a joint statement setting out principles to protect consumers and ensure effective competition in the field of artificial intelligence (AI).
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EU Commission: No blank check for national security spyware“Based on our respective laws, we will advocate for effective competition and fair and honest treatment for consumers and businesses,” the statement published on Monday said. Declaration on the Generic AI Founding Model and Competition in AI Products From the EU Commission, the UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMS), the US Department of Justice and the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Its basis is the recognition that “fair, open and competitive markets will help unlock the opportunities, growth and innovation that these technologies can offer.”
AI as a “technological turning point”
Competition authorities recognise the “transformative potential of artificial intelligence”, which has developed rapidly in recent years, and speak of a “technological turning point”. It states that technological inflection points can introduce new ways of competing, driving opportunity, innovation and growth. Accordingly, it is the responsibility of regulators to ensure that the public receives the full benefit of technology.
The statement further said, “This requires vigilance and protection against tactics that could undermine fair competition.” Companies may seek to restrict key inputs for the development of AI technologies; companies with large market power may slow down competitors and impair competition, even reaching monopoly positions. Additionally, AI could be developed or used in ways that harm consumers and businesses. The risks described will not stop at national borders. The authors of the statement write that efforts are therefore being made to achieve a common understanding of the problem. “Given the speed and pace of AI development and our experience with digital markets, we are committed to using the powers we have to address such risks before they become too strong or irreversible.”
The general principles for protecting competition in the AI ecosystem include fair dealing and the prevention of exclusionary tactics, promoting interoperability of AI products and services and their inputs, creating choices between different products and business models, and taking a closer look at investments and partnerships between incumbents and new providers. These are all fairly general statements about the authorities’ general approach to promoting competition in AI. It remains to be seen to what extent the Joint Declaration and the general principles will lead to a coordinated, joint approach.
(AKN)
Government: Network expansion is largely in the paramount public interest
