Competition and Markets Authority Consultation

Algorithms: How they can reduce competition and harm consumers – a response by JAAG 

JAAG has responded to this paper published by the Data, Technology and Analytics Unit of the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). We welcome the paper as a significant step forward, but at the same time we believe that it raises many deep-seated issues that cannot be easily or quickly solved. 

Our 22 pages response contains 33 observations, suggestions and recommendations in response to the questions from the CMA on harm, investigative techniques and the role of regulators. 

In our comments, we highlight three aspects that we believe need particular attention:

• The dangers of “algorithms” to children and vulnerable adults that go beyond their impact on the general population

• The additional issues involved in systems which are partly executed by human agents

• The need for pro-active regulation

The problems which JAAG seeks to address will not be solved overnight. They are likely to get worse as AI and algorithms proliferate unregulated and unaudited. We accept the CMA invitation to participate in the Algorithms Programme and hope to make a useful contribution, including perspectives from our Quaker testimonies. We welcome collaboration.