Is Your Digital Assistant Devious?

22 Pages Posted: 24 Aug 2016 Last revised: 15 Sep 2016

See all articles by Ariel Ezrachi

Ariel Ezrachi

University of Oxford - Faculty of Law

Maurice E. Stucke

University of Tennessee College of Law

Date Written: August 23, 2016

Abstract

Who wouldn’t want a personal butler? Technological developments have moved us closer to that dream. The rise of digital personal assistants has already changed the way we shop, interact and surf the web. Technological developments and artificial intelligence are likely to further accelerate this trend. Indeed, all of the leading online platforms are currently investing in this technology. Apple’s Siri, Amazon’s Alexa, Facebook’s M, and Google Assistant can quickly provide us with information, if we so desire, and anticipate and fulfill certain needs and requests. Yet, could they also reduce our welfare? Could they limit competition and transfer our wealth to the providers? And if so, can competition law safeguard our welfare while enabling these technological developments?

Keywords: Internet, Competition law, Virtual Competition, Foreclosure, Antitrust, Monopoly

JEL Classification: K21, L1, L11, L15, L41, L52, L86

Suggested Citation

Ezrachi, Ariel and Stucke, Maurice E., Is Your Digital Assistant Devious? (August 23, 2016). Oxford Legal Studies Research Paper No. 52/2016, University of Tennessee Legal Studies Research Paper No. 304, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2828117 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2828117

Ariel Ezrachi (Contact Author)

University of Oxford - Faculty of Law ( email )

Oxford
United Kingdom

Maurice E. Stucke

University of Tennessee College of Law ( email )

1505 W. Cumberland Ave.
Knoxville, TN 37996
United States
865-974-9816 (Phone)

HOME PAGE: http://www.mauricestucke.com

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