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Artificial intelligence is a driving force in modern markets that also has the potential to enable collusion, including algorithmic discrimination under the garb of dynamic pricing, CCI chief Ravneet Kaur said on Sunday. She also emphasised the need to adopt a forward-looking approach as well as trust-based regulations. Delivering the special address at the 10th National Conference on Economics of Competition Law in the national capital, Kaur said Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a driving force in modern markets. AI shapes pricing strategies, decision-making, and operational efficiencies across industries but also presents risks, she noted. According to the Competition Commission of India (CCI) Chairperson, AI can enable new forms of collusion such as "cartels without human communication, price coordination without explicit agreements, and algorithmic discrimination under the garb of dynamic pricing". The fair trade regulator is already conducting a study on AI and competition. S
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has rejected a complaint filed against Microsoft with respect to bundling of anti-virus software with its Windows operating system. It was alleged that bundling of the anti-virus software was violating fair competition norms. Starting with Windows 10 Operating System (OS) edition, the anti-virus software Microsoft Defender is bundled with it. In a 17-page order dated March 3, the CCI said there was no prima-facie case of contravention and closed the matter. To assess the complaint, the regulator considered two relevant markets -- the market for computer security (antivirus) software for Windows OS in India and the market for desktop/laptop security (antivirus) software for Windows OS in India. Citing Microsoft's submissions, the CCI observed that there is no compulsion on users to exclusively use Microsoft Defender as their antivirus solution. Also, it noted that OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) are permitted to pre-install alterna