UK competition watchdog launches AI probe

The UK competition watchdog has launched a wide-ranging review of artificial intelligence, it was announced on Thursday.

The Competition and Markets Authority said the probe would look at so-called foundation models, which include large language models used by advanced chatbots like ChatGPT and generative AI, which can create images that are hard to distinguish from human output.

The CMA said it would focus on how these models are developing, how their use could evolve, and what opportunities and risks are likely to arise in terms of competition and consumer protection.

Foundation models were potentially transformative for both businesses and individuals, the CMA noted, but their development also touched on numerous issues, including security, privacy and human rights as well as the ways in which markets work.

Sarah Cardell, chief executive, said: "AI has burst into the public consciousness over the past few months, but has been on our radar for some time. It’s a technology developing at speed and has the potential to transform the way businesses compete as well as drive substantial economic growth.

"It’s crucial that the potential benefits of this transformative technology are readily accessible to UK businesses and consumers while people remain protected from issues like false or misleading inflation."

The deadline for any stakeholders and interested parties to submit views or evidence is 2 June. The watchdog expects to publish its initial findings in September.