Cartelling using algorithms? The competition authorities are watching

Action against cartels remains a priority for Hungarian and EU competition authorities.

Lawmakers’ aim is explicit: algorithms must not be used as a means of cartelling

This article is available for reading in Trade magazin 2025/12-2026.01

Companies would be well advised to pay attention to this area in 2026, according to law firm Baker McKenzie. AI-based algorithms represent a new method of prohibited collusion between competitors, and their use may therefore become a focus for the authorities. They say a cartel can also be created without direct communication between competitors, through some kind of algorithm – even one based on AI.