CCI Extends Bidding Deadline For AI Impact Study To June 18

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has issued clarifications on the bidding for conducting the study on artificial intelligence and its impact on competition and has extended the deadline for submission of bids till June 18.

Earlier, the deadline for the bids was June 3.

As per CCI document, the fair trade regulator said that bids cannot be submitted through a consortium or a joint venture. Additionally, the minimum annual turnover requirement of INR 50 Cr for bidders has been retained among other eligibility criteria.

The last date for submission of bids is June 18, and the financial bids will be opened on July 11. The study will cover various aspects, including how AI-driven personalised recommendations, services, and pricing influence consumer choices.

The study will also investigate whether and how AI can facilitate and/or implement anti-competitive strategies, as well as the strategies aided by AI that can lead to anti-competitive outcomes. It will examine new forms of collusion prompted by the use of AI, such as self-learning algorithms, and whether bias in AI algorithms can impact competition.

Besides, it will examine the synergies and risks from mergers and acquisitions (M&As) involving firms with AI capabilities and the factors that need to be considered in assessing the competitive effects of such M&As.

In April, the CCI invited proposals to launch a study on the impact of AI on competition in the market both positively and negatively. The regulator invited proposals for a market study, that will help it shape a strategy for fostering innovation and fair competition.

In today’s fast-paced digital world, Gen AI emerges as a transformative force, revolutionising customer engagement with its ability to understand and respond to queries akin to human agents. Gen AI goes beyond mere automation, crafting intelligent solutions that bridge the gap between brand objectives and customer perceptions.

With over 100 startups leading the charge and raising over $600 Mn since 2019, India’s GenAI landscape is rapidly expanding.

Notable players such as SarvamAI and Krutrim are focused on developing Indic LLMs, while others like ObserveAI have raised $214 Mn in funding.