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Algorithms and collusion

 

The combination of data with technologically advanced tools such as pricing algorithms and machine learning is increasingly changing the competitive landscape in the digital markets. There is a growing number of firms using computer algorithms to improve their pricing models, customise services and predict market trends, which could generate efficiencies. However, the widespread usage of algorithms could also pose possible anti-competitive effects by making it easier for firms to achieve and sustain collusion without any formal agreement or human interaction.

In June 2017 the OECD held a roundtable on "Algorithms and Collusion" as a part of the wider work stream on competition in the digital economy, in order to discuss some of the challenges raised by algorithms. Among other topics, the roundtable addressed the question of whether antitrust agencies should reconsider the traditional antitrust concepts of agreement and tacit collusion, and whether any antitrust liability can be imposed on the algorithms’ creators and users. All related presentations and papers can be found on this page. 

SEE ALSO

Full list of Competition Policy Roundtables

OECD Handbook on Competition Policy in the Digital Age 

Download the OECD Background paper

Téléchargez la Note de référence de l'OCDE 

JUNE 2017 SESSION INFORMATION AND DOCUMENTATION

OECD BACKGROUND PAPER • NOTE DE RÉFÉRENCE

 

SUMMARY DOCUMENTS

Executive Summary with key findings  Synthèse des points clés de la discussion

Detailed Summary of the discussion  Compte rendu detaillé de la discussion 

 

INVITED SPEAKERS AND PAPERS

Ariel EZRACHI Bio
Director of the centre for competition law and policy, Oxford University, UK presenting 
Algorithmic Collusion: Problems and Counter-Measures

Michal GAL Bio
Professor of Law at University of Haifa Law School, Israel presenting
Algorithmic-facilitated coordination

Avigdor GAL Bio
Full Professor, Faculty of Industrial Engineering & Management, Technion, Israel presenting
It's a feature, not a bug: on learning algorithms and what they teach us

PAPERS FROM PARTICIPANTS

Summary of contributions

EU

Italy

Russia

Singapore

Ukraine

United Kingdom

United States

BIAC

DOCUMENTS AND LINKS

Algorithms and competition: Friends or foes? (2017)

OECD's Going digital project website

Big data: bringing competition to the digital era (2016)

Price discrimination (2016)

Oligopoly Markets (2015)

The Digital Economy (2012)

Unilateral Disclosure of Information with Anticompetitive Effects (2012)

Price Transparency (2001)

Access the full list of Competition Policy Roundtables 

PRESENTATIONS

 

» Competition Home Page

Topics

Abuse of dominance and monopolisation

Cartels and anti-competitive agreements

Enforcement practices

Evaluation of competition interventions 

‌International co-operation

Liberalisation & competition intervention in regulated sectors

Market Studies and Competition

‌Mergers

Pro-competitive policy reforms  

Key materials, Tools & Guidance

OECD Handbook on Competition Policy in the Digital Age 

Best practice roundtables

Calendar of activities

Competition assessment toolkit

Fighting bid rigging in public procurement 

Recommendations

Reports by the Competition Committee

Reports by competition agencies

Global Relations

About global relations

Hungary centre

Korea centre

Global Forum on Competition

Latin American and Caribbean Competition Forum

 

 

 

 

 

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