U.S. and EU Officials Meet for Fourth U.S.-EU Joint Technology Competition Policy Dialogue, Focusing on Fair Competition in the Digital Economy

Top antitrust figures from the U.S. and European Union, including Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Kanter, FTC Chair Lina M. Khan, and EU Executive Vice President Margrethe Vestager, gathered in Washington, D.C., for the fourth meeting of the U.S.-EU Joint Technology Competition Policy Dialogue (TCPD). Their focus: ensuring fair competition in the rapidly evolving digital economy.

Emphasis on Fair Competition:

Assistant Attorney General Kanter stressed the importance of addressing the competitive threats posed by data monopolies and the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence.

He underscored the value of sharing best practices with international counterparts to effectively serve the interests of the American people.

Navigating Emerging Threats:

FTC Chair Khan highlighted the critical role of international collaboration in addressing emerging threats in the digital economy, particularly in the realm of artificial intelligence and algorithmic decision-making tools.

Engaging with global partners and exchanging best practices is essential to navigating the fast-paced digital landscape.

Strengthening Cooperation:

EU Executive Vice President Vestager emphasized the need for strengthened cooperation in competition policy and enforcement, especially in light of challenges posed by fast-moving technology sectors like artificial intelligence and cloud computing.

Leveraging respective experiences, both U.S. and EU authorities aim to benefit consumers and businesses on both sides of the Atlantic.

Key Discussion Points:

The dialogue centered on pressing issues faced by both agencies, including challenges related to rapidly evolving technologies like artificial intelligence and the necessity of ensuring effective merger control in a digitalized economy.

Discussions highlighted the importance of ongoing cooperation within the framework of the TCPD to promote fair competition in the technology sector.

Historical Context and Continued Collaboration:

The U.S. Department of Justice, FTC, and European Commission have a longstanding tradition of close cooperation in antitrust enforcement and policy.

The TCPD builds upon this tradition, further enhancing transatlantic cooperation on competition policy and enforcement in the digital sector.

This collaboration underscores the shared commitment to addressing common challenges and promoting fair competition in the global digital economy.