“What we at DataIQ want to see from this review is that the CMA establishes a strong framework which allows the potential of AI to be safely explored by the industry,” said Peter Galdies, director, DataIQ. “The CMA should examine how the competitive markets for foundation models and their use could evolve over the coming years without allowing any one player to become dominant stifling innovation.”
It is hoped that this examination by the CMA will objectively explore potential opportunities and risks these scenarios could bring for competition and consumer protection, as well as producing guiding principles to support fair competition and protect consumers as AI foundation models develop.
“Ultimately, these are very early days and the conversation surrounding this new era of AI shows no sign of letting up any time soon,” said Galdies. “It is worth remembering that, although we welcome this review by the CMA, the CMA’S principal focus must be to ensure markets and consumers are protected from cartel or monopolistic practice. Perhaps the best outcome from this review will be a clear operating framework for organisations building new AI-based applications that allows the sector to flourish while protecting consumer rights. However, with this market still in its infancy, such a framework may be a tough act to deliver.”
The CMA is seeking views and evidence from stakeholders and welcomes submissions by 2 June 2023, and is encouraging interested parties to respond and be proactive in identifying relevant evidence.
Following evidence gathering and analysis, the CMA will publish a report which sets out its findings in September 2023.
