CUTS Daily Bulletin # 01 | July 08, 2026
Day 1 Highlights 
 
The opening day of the 23rd Session of the UNCTAD Intergovernmental Group of Experts (IGE) on Competition Law and Policy focused on the implications of rapidly evolving digital markets for competition policy and enforcement. Against the backdrop of growing adoption of artificial intelligence (AI), expanding digital platforms and increasingly data-driven business models, discussions explored how competition authorities can safeguard innovation, promote fair competition and protect consumer welfare in an increasingly interconnected digital economy.
Competition Policy for Digital Markets
 
The session on Recent Developments in Digital Markets examined emerging competition challenges arising from AI-driven technologies and digital platform ecosystems. Consistent with the objectives outlined in the official UNCTAD concept note, the discussion focused on how competition authorities can respond to changing market dynamics while ensuring that technological innovation continues to benefit consumers and businesses alike.

Participants highlighted concerns regarding increasing concentration in digital markets, particularly where access to data, AI capabilities and digital infrastructure is concentrated among a limited number of large technology firms. Such developments have the potential to reduce market contestability, limit consumer choice and create barriers for new entrants.

The discussion also recognised that digital transformation presents significant opportunities for innovation and economic growth. Alongside effective enforcement, participants emphasised the importance of creating an enabling environment for start-ups and emerging enterprises, recognising that innovation and competition should reinforce one another rather than be viewed as competing objectives.
Strengthening Institutional Capacity
 
A recurring theme throughout the session was the need for competition authorities to strengthen their institutional and technical capabilities to address increasingly complex digital markets. Participants noted that AI and other digital tools can improve market monitoring, investigations and evidence-based enforcement, enabling authorities to respond more effectively to evolving competition concerns.

At the same time, speakers underscored that technological tools should complement sound legal frameworks, robust institutional capacity and transparent regulatory processes. Building the expertise required to oversee increasingly sophisticated digital markets was identified as a continuing priority for competition authorities worldwide.
The Importance of International Cooperation
 
Given the global nature of digital markets, participants recognised that competition challenges increasingly extend beyond national jurisdictions. The discussion therefore highlighted the importance of international cooperation, information sharing and closer coordination among competition authorities to address cross-border competition issues more effectively.

Strengthening collaboration at both regional and international levels was recognised as an important means of improving enforcement capacity, promoting policy convergence and supporting more consistent approaches to emerging digital market challenges.
Key Policy Messages

The discussions highlighted several priorities for strengthening competition policy in the digital economy:
  • Adapting competition frameworks to address the evolving challenges posed by AI and digital markets.
  • Strengthening the technical and institutional capacity of competition authorities through digital tools and evidence-based enforcement.
  • Promoting competitive digital ecosystems by encouraging innovation and reducing barriers to market entry.
  • Addressing market concentration while safeguarding consumer welfare and fair competition.
  • Enhancing international cooperation to respond effectively to increasingly cross-border competition challenges.
Looking Ahead
 
The opening discussions reinforced that competition policy will remain central to ensuring that digital transformation delivers broad-based economic and consumer benefits. As AI and digital platforms continue to reshape markets, effective competition enforcement, stronger institutional capacity and closer international cooperation will be essential to maintaining open, competitive and innovative digital economies.
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