Algorithms and artificial intelligence can facilitate price-fixing and companies that use programmatic tools may need to start training their AI to steer clear of cartel enforcement action by the US Department of Justice, antitrust division chief Jonathan Kanter said last week.
As a growing number of companies embrace the emerging technology of AI, regulators, scholars, and technology developers alikehave grown worried that their automated systems may unfairly discriminate against protected classes of individuals, risking legal, regulatory, and reputational trouble. Fear of algorithmic bias has slowed deployment of AI in many sectors.
Market realities spurred by technology are relevant in a cartel case, Kanter said, signalling what is likely to be a close watch by the DOJ over the effects of these technologies as they become more prevalent. Kanter also discussed the division’s updates to its leniency policy, expanding the regulator’s litigation capabilities and improving cooperation with domestic and international enforcement partners.
Related: Regulation of Artificial Intelligence – Global Trends, Implications, and the Road Ahead
Speaking before the International Competition Network’s annual conference, Kanter also highlighted the changes brought by the recent COVID-19 emergency. “The pandemic compelled us to find creative ways to maintain and deepen our international cooperation efforts,” said Assistant Attorney General Kanter. “Nevertheless, it is wonderful to engage again in-person with our ICN counterparts, especially to discuss the pressing competition issues we currently face.”
The conference showcased the achievements of the ICN’s Advocacy, Agency Effectiveness, Cartel, Merger and Unilateral Conduct Working Groups and examined a range of competition enforcement and policy issues. A main theme of the conference focused on planning for the third decade of the network. The continuing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and digital markets on competition law also featured prominently
Want more news? Subscribe to CPI’s free daily newsletter for more headlines and updates on antitrust developments around the world.
Featured News
Judge Mehta Questions Both Sides in Landmark Google Antitrust Case
May 2, 2024 by
CPI
FCC Urges Urgent Funding for Removal of Chinese Telecom Equipment from U.S. Networks
May 2, 2024 by
CPI
Former Pioneer CEO Facing Potential Criminal Charges For Colluding With OPEC
May 2, 2024 by
CPI
South Korea’s Antitrust Regulator Greenlights K-Pop Powerhouse Deal
May 2, 2024 by
CPI
Exxon’s Pioneer Purchase Approved, Former CEO Barred from Board
May 2, 2024 by
CPI
Antitrust Mix by CPI
Antitrust Chronicle® – Economics of Criminal Antitrust
Apr 19, 2024 by
CPI
Navigating Economic Expert Work in Criminal Antitrust Litigation
Apr 19, 2024 by
CPI
The Increased Importance of Economics in Cartel Cases
Apr 19, 2024 by
CPI
A Law and Economics Analysis of the Antitrust Treatment of Physician Collective Price Agreements
Apr 19, 2024 by
CPI
Information Exchange In Criminal Antitrust Cases: How Economic Testimony Can Tip The Scales
Apr 19, 2024 by
CPI