AI Foundation Models: initial review
This initial review will help create an early understanding of the market for foundation models and how their use could evolve; what opportunities and risks these could bring; and what competition and consumer protection principles will best guide the development of these markets going forward.
Review timetable
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| Autumn 2024 | Further update |
| 16 April 2024 | Technical update report published |
| 11 April 2024 | Update paper published |
| 18 September 2023 | Report published |
| 2 June 2023 | Deadline to submit responses |
| 4 May 2023 | Launch of the initial review |
The CMA has launched this initial piece of work to help create an early understanding of the market for foundation models and how their use could evolve; what opportunities and risks these scenarios could bring for competition and consumer protection; and what competition and consumer protection principles will therefore best guide the development of these markets going forward.
Ongoing programme of work
In addition to the actions set out in our update report to mitigate the risks AI may pose for competition and consumer protection, we will continue our dedicated programme of work to consider the impact of FMs on markets throughout 2024, including:
- a forthcoming paper on AI accelerator chips, which will consider their role in the FM value chain
- joint research in the DRCF on consumers’ understanding and use of FM services, and participation in the DRCF AI and Digital Hub pilot due for launch in Spring 2024
- a joint statement with the ICO on the interaction between competition, consumer protection and data protection in FMs
We will publish a further update on our work in Autumn 2024.
Update paper and technical update report
11 April 2024: Following extensive engagement and our ongoing monitoring of market developments since September 2023, the CMA is now publishing an update paper that:
- provides an overview and discussion of key changes in the FM sector since the publication of our initial report
- confirms final principles for guiding the market to positive outcomes for competition and consumer protection
- sets out risks to competition and consumer protection, including three key risks to fair, open and effective competition that we see arising from current and potential developments in the FM sector, assessing how they would be mitigated by the CMA’s principles and identifying the actions we are taking now, and are considering taking in the near future to seek to address these risks
- outlines the next steps for the CMA’s AI FM programme of work
In addition to the above, the technical update report outlines the feedback we received from stakeholders as part of this phase of work and relevant market developments that relate to each of our principles.
We will shortly publish a separate more detailed technical update report including further detail on market developments since our initial report, along with feedback received from stakeholders as part of this phase of our work.
- Update paper (11.4.24)
- Technical update report (16.4.24)
- Press notice: CMA outlines growing concerns in markets for AI Foundation Models (11.4.24)
- Sarah Cardell speech: Opening remarks at the American Bar Association (ABA) Chair’s Showcase on AI Foundation Models (11.4.24)
Update on AI: Foundation Models initial review
Since the publication of our report on 18 September 2023, we have begun a further programme of engagement, in the UK, US and elsewhere, to gather views on our report and proposed competition and consumer protection principles, which aim to guide the development of these markets. We would like to thank stakeholders that have already shared their feedback.
We intend to publish an update in April 2024.
Initial report
- (18.9.23)
- (18.9.23)
- (18.9.23)
- Press notice: Proposed new principles to guide competitive AI markets and protect consumers (18.9.23)
Launch document
- (4.5.23)
- Press Notice: CMA launches initial review of Artificial Intelligence models (4.5.23)
Initial review
In the White Paper of March 2023, the UK government asked UK regulators, including the CMA, to think about how the innovative development and deployment of artificial intelligence can be supported in line with the 5 overarching principles of: safety, security and robustness; appropriate transparency and explainability; fairness; accountability and governance; and contestability and redress.
Supporting open, competitive markets, protecting consumers and businesses from unfair behaviour, and enabling innovation to thrive are core to the CMA’s mandate. We are therefore launching this initial piece of work to help create an early and shared understanding of:
- how the competitive markets for foundation models and their use could evolve
- what opportunities and risks these scenarios could bring for competition and consumer protection
- which principles can best guide the ongoing development of these markets so that the vibrant innovation that has characterised the current emerging phase is sustained, and the resulting benefits continue to flow for people, businesses and the economy
This focus is also in line with our strategic priority to ensure effective competition in emergent markets as set out in our annual plan.
Contact
Email address: aifoundationmodels@cma.gov.uk
Media enquiries
Any media enquiries should be directed to press@cma.gov.uk
Updates to this page
Published 4 May 2023Last updated 16 April 2024 + show all updates
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Technical update report published.
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Update report published
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Review timetable updated.
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Update on AI: Foundation Models initial review.
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AI Foundation Models: Initial report published
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First published.