Competition Commission of India (CCI) Chairperson Ravneet Kaur has emphasised the need for proactive regulatory approaches to ensure that AI-driven and algorithmic markets remain open, fair and contestable.
Speaking at the Annual Conference on Competition Law & Practice, jointly organised by the CCI and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Kaur underscored the importance of a future-ready competition law that adapts to rapid technological and market disruptions while fostering fairness, transparency and innovation-driven growth.
Balancing Market Growth and Consumer Protection
Kaur highlighted the critical role of competition law in maintaining a level playing field in digital markets and cross-border transactions.
She stressed that as businesses increasingly rely on AI-driven decision-making and algorithmic models, traditional regulatory frameworks must evolve to address emerging anti-competitive concerns. “CCI remains committed to balancing market growth with consumer protection, fostering compliance and ensuring a competitive and innovation-friendly economy,” Kaur noted.
Addressing Challenges
With digital platforms and AI-powered ecosystems gaining dominance, Kaur pointed out that the conventional paradigms of competition law enforcement must be redefined.
She noted that the rise of data-driven platforms, AI-driven decision-making and algorithmic pricing models present both opportunities and challenges for regulators. “The growing influence of digital gatekeepers, platform-based ecosystems and algorithmic pricing models underscores the need for proactive and forward-thinking regulatory approaches,” she said.
Among CCI’s primary focus areas are algorithmic collusion — ensuring AI-driven pricing does not lead to tacit price coordination; price-coordinated behaviour — identifying and curbing unfair market practices enabled by digital platforms and potential anti-competitive conduct — preventing dominant platforms from exploiting market power.
She also highlighted that the e-commerce sector remains under CCI’s review, given its expanding role in India’s digital economy.
Kaur further elaborated on CCI’s enforcement tools, emphasizing the role of leniency programs, commitments, and settlements in fostering compliance and correcting market distortions. She stressed that such progressive mechanisms not only deter anti-competitive practices but also encourage businesses to adopt fair market behaviour voluntarily.
Leadership in Innovation
Recognising India’s position as a leading hub for digital innovation, Kaur reaffirmed that CCI’s regulatory approach aims to strike a balance between encouraging growth and protecting market integrity. She emphasised the importance of collaboration with industry stakeholders to ensure that regulations do not stifle innovation but rather enhance market efficiency. “CCI is committed to fostering an environment where businesses can thrive while ensuring that markets remain competitive and consumer interests are safeguarded,” she asserted.
As AI and digital ecosystems continue to reshape industries, Kaur stressed that India’s competition law must remain agile and responsive to market changes. She reiterated CCI’s dedication to ensuring open, fair and contestable markets, particularly in the face of emerging digital monopolies and algorithmic market behaviours.
With its forward-looking regulatory approach, CCI aims to not only maintain fair competition but also promote sustainable innovation, ensuring that India’s economy remains robust in an increasingly digital and AI-driven global landscape, according to Kaur.
