CCI Prepares to Address Anti-Trust Concerns over AI Practices

Competition Commission of India to Crack Down on Anti-Competitive AI Practices

On March 16, the Competition Commission of India (CCI), led by Chairperson Ravneet Kaur, announced its readiness to take action against anti-competitive practices emerging in the artificial intelligence (AI) sector. The CCI is committed to maintaining a fair market and is currently examining potential anti-competitive conduct in various sectors, including sports, civil aviation, paints and varnishes, and liquor.

Key Areas of Focus

The CCI has identified potential anti-competitive conduct in the AI value chain, including algorithmic collusion, price discrimination, and opaqueness in AI applications. To address these concerns, the regulator recommends that enterprises conduct self-audits of their AI systems to ensure transparency and prevent hidden anti-competitive outcomes.

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Market Study and Regulatory Action

In a market study released in October, the CCI emphasized the need for businesses to strengthen their technical capabilities and infrastructure to prevent AI-triggered unfair business practices. The regulator has also taken proactive steps to address anti-competitive practices, with around 90% of anti-trust matters disposed of through effective regulation.

Merger Approvals and Enforcement

The CCI has a systematic approach to merger approvals, focusing on solution-oriented modifications rather than blocking mergers outright. In 2025, the regulator passed orders related to cartelization and bid-rigging in sectors such as defense procurement and solid waste management.

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Core Principles of Competition Law

The CCI's core principles are centered around assessing the adverse effects of market actions on competition, using economic principles such as market structure, pricing strategies, and concentration levels. The regulator aims to promote competition based on merit, rather than exclusionary, exploitative, or anti-competitive conduct.

Key Statistics

• 1360 anti-trust cases received by the CCI
• 1290 cases already decided
• 90% of anti-trust matters disposed of through effective regulation