Focus on AI, Markets and Regulation
The discussions revolved around the fast-evolving role of artificial intelligence in transforming markets, business models and consumer behaviour. Participants examined emerging challenges posed by AI deployment, including market concentration, data dominance, algorithmic transparency and the need for coordination among regulatory authorities.
Speakers emphasised that while AI offers immense opportunities for productivity and innovation, it also raises complex questions for competition law and consumer protection that require timely and well-calibrated policy responses.
Inaugural Session Sets the Tone
The Inaugural Session was addressed by Smt. Ravneet Kaur, Chairperson of the Competition Commission of India, and Shri Abhishek Singh, Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and Chief Executive Officer of the IndiaAI Mission.
Smt. Dipti Gaur Mukherjee, Secretary, Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India, was also present during the opening session, reflecting the whole-of-government approach being adopted to address AI governance challenges.
The inaugural session concluded with a vote of thanks by Shri Ashish Aggarwal, Vice President, Public Policy, Nasscom, who acknowledged the constructive engagement among stakeholders.
Plenary Sessions Examine Key AI Issues
The workshop featured three in-depth plenary sessions, each focusing on a critical aspect of artificial intelligence and competition. These sessions provided a platform for candid dialogue between policymakers, regulators and industry representatives.
Plenary Session I, titled “AI Governance, Consumer Protection, and Regulatory Coordination,” was chaired by Smt. Nidhi Khare, Secretary, Department of Consumer Affairs and Chief Commissioner of the Central Consumer Protection Authority. The session examined how consumer rights can be protected in AI-driven markets.
The third plenary session, “Compliance, Transparency, Ethics and Responsible AI for Competitive Markets,” was chaired by Smt. Sangeeta Gupta. It explored the importance of ethical AI, explainability and accountability in maintaining trust and fair competition.
CCI Market Study Adds Depth
A key highlight of the workshop was the presentation of the Competition Commission of India’s market study on artificial intelligence and competition. The study provided empirical insights into how AI is reshaping competitive conditions across sectors.
Participants noted that such research-driven assessments are crucial for designing evidence-based regulatory responses that remain flexible in the face of rapid technological change.
Way Forward: Balanced and Collaborative Approach
The closing remarks were delivered by Shri Anil Agrawal, Member, Competition Commission of India, who emphasised the need for collaborative, risk-based and proportionate regulation. He noted that over-regulation could stifle innovation, while under-regulation could harm competition and consumers.
The workshop concluded with a shared consensus that India’s AI governance framework must align competition principles, consumer welfare and public interest, ensuring that AI-driven growth remains inclusive and sustainable.
