The European Commission launched a call for contributions on competition in virtual worlds and generative artificial intelligence on 9 January 2024 (see the Commission’s press release of 9 January 2024). The Austrian Federal Competition Authority (AFCA), in response to the rapid developments, particularly in the field of generative artificial intelligence and the characteristics of digital markets in general (network effects, [a lack of] multi-homing, tipping), has outlined the need to deal with these developments and potential future competition issues at an early stage. The goal should be to keep markets open and therefore competitive.
In this context, the AFCA began the considerable expansion of its Forensics, Data Analysis and AI Department in 2024. This should ensure that AFCA investigators have all the digital tools they need at their disposal to meet the demands of modern investigations (see AFCA’s press release of 2 January 2024). In addition, the newly created Case Department B is dedicated specifically to the area of digital markets.
AFCA’s contribution can be found here.