Artificial intelligence adoption could spur anti-competitive conduct, and current antitrust laws’ effectiveness in addressing it is in question, according to the Competition Bureau’s report “Consultation on Artificial Intelligence and Competition: What We Heard.”
This was one of the key takeaways from the report, which summed up feedback received by the bureau on AI and competition based on 28 submissions.
Respondents indicated that the bureau should monitor significant investments by large incumbent firms into the AI sector, as these firms could hamper competition and restrict innovation by leveraging their market power. Moreover, the rapid progression of AI technology has generated new market dynamics that can drive or reduce competition.
All aspects of this technology are advancing, including AI inputs, foundational models, and end products and services.
“The Competition Bureau needs to be at the forefront of AI and understand its impact on competition across the economy. This consultation was a unique opportunity to gather insights on AI market dynamics and the role competition enforcement and promotion can play,” said Competition Commissioner Matthew Boswell in a statement.
The bureau conducted its AI consultation from March 20 to July 7, 2024, after releasing its AI discussion paper on AI and competition. The consultation aligned with the bureau’s current efforts to study AI and its effects on competition.
Submissions were made by domestic and international individuals, consumer advocacy groups, think tanks, members of academia and the legal community, industry associations, and large technology companies. Humans and AI technology drafted the resulting report as a nod to the consultation topic. Bureau personnel edited the final version.
Respondents also provided ideas for future consultation and partnership. Their submissions were publicized unless confidentiality was explicitly requested.
The Competition Bureau confirmed that it would continue to consult with partners, the global community, market participants, and Canadians about rising AI-related competition concerns.