The UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has launched an investigation into the Artificial Intelligence (AI) market. In particular, they are exploring the underlying technology and software that powers the chatbots, such as ChatGPT.
Sarah Cardell, head of the CMA, announced that they would be assessing the “real opportunities” behind this technology, also known as foundation models. This model uses large quantities of data to teach it how to interact with users. The investigation has one primary goal: assessing how these markets are evolving and how it is impacting competition, protection of consumers and other related sectors.
The CMA will not be targeting a specific company, but rather engaging with “different interest stakeholders” such as businesses. They hope that by the end of their investigation, they will have developed a set of principles to better ensure that competition is protected and consumers are kept secure.
ChatGPT is an artificial intelligence powered chatbot for mobile devices. The AI algorithm behind it uses machine learning, natural language processing, and deep learning technology to allow users to have a friendly conversational experience. It utilizes data from user interactions and can generate new replies each time.
Sarah Cardell, CEO of the CMA, is an experienced lawyer and regulator who was previously the director of enforcement at the UK’s energy regulator, Ofgem. She recently joined the authority with extensive expertise in competition law, digital transformation, and its enforcement. Cardell takes the lead on the CMA’s reviews, investigations, hearings, and market studies. She is also responsible for setting out the CMA’s policy stance with regard to competition and consumer law.
