The Competition Bureau has released a new report summarizing the feedback gathered through its recent public consultation on algorithmic pricing and its impact on competition. As algorithms become increasingly common in sectors ranging from concert ticketing and ridesharing to residential rent‑setting, more businesses are relying on automated tools to help shape their pricing strategies.
The Bureau received over 100 submissions from a diverse group of contributors, including individuals, businesses, industry associations, academics, legal experts, and consumer advocacy organizations.
“Algorithmic pricing can improve efficiency and choice, but it also presents risks related to fairness, transparency, and competition,” said Jeanne Pratt Acting Commissioner of Competition. “We will continue to engage with partners, the international community, market participants and Canadians as we advance our understanding of these emerging competition issues.”
The report highlights the key concerns raised during the consultation, which centred on four major themes:
- Dynamically setting or recommending prices can create market efficiencies.
- Algorithmic pricing can also facilitate anticompetitive behaviour.
- Limited data transparency may negatively affect consumers, workers, and competition.
- Government regulations should curb anticompetitive conduct without hindering innovation.
Click here for more info: Consultation on Algorithmic Pricing and Competition: What We Heard
