As artificial intelligence continues to develop at speed, the
European Commission, the UK Competition and Markets Authority
(CMA), the US Federal Trade Commission and US Department of
Justice have signed a joint statement setting out shared
principles to protect competition and consumers.
The statement affirms their shared view that AI, particularly
powerful foundation models, has the potential to spur innovation
and growth, and to bring about transformational positive change
for the way we live and work. The statement also recognises that
these technologies may pose some risks to competition and
consumers which, if they materialise, will require action before
they become entrenched or irreversible harms.
The agencies have set out fair dealing, interoperability, and
choice as key principles to support competition, protect
consumers and help businesses to innovate and thrive. Recognising
the global nature of these markets, they have also agreed to
share an understanding of the issues arising in these markets.
Agencies will use their respective powers to address potential
risks to competition posed by AI foundation models – such as
concentrating control of key inputs needed to develop the
technology and the potential for firms to entrench or extend
their market power in AI related markets.
Sarah Cardell, CMA Chief Executive, said:
AI is a borderless technology which has the potential to drive
innovation and growth, delivering transformative benefits for
people, businesses, and economies around the world. That's why
we've come together with our EU and US partners to set out our
commitment to help ensure fair, open and effective competition in
AI drives growth and positive change for our societies.
The statement marks the latest step in the CMA's work on AI
foundation models. In April 2024, the CMA published an update
which set out six principles to support competition and consumer
protection as AI foundation models continue to be developed and
deployed.
Notes to editors:
- The full text of the statement has been
published on the CMA's website.
- The statement signed by the CMA does not alter its merger
review process in relation to its AI partnership cases. More
information can be found via the relevant case pages: Microsoft / OpenAI,
Microsoft /
Inflection or Amazon / Anthropic.
