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PCC Eyes Data Science in Competition Law, Regulatory Policies

The PCC is currently eyeing the use of data science tools in its implementation and enforcement of competition law and policy.

Photo for the Article - PCC Eyes Data Science in Competition Law, Regulatory Policies

The Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) stated that it is currently eyeing the use of data science tools in its implementation and enforcement of competition law and policy. The initiative aims to adapt to the rising use of digital platforms by businesses and consumers.

The PCC said it is currently communicating with the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) for the creation of a data science toolkit that will guide regulators and competition authorities in analyzing data, including those sourced from digital platforms. 

According to the commission, following the massive changes in terms of physical and digital transactions during the pandemic, online platforms were one of those that benefited the most. They noted that to follow through, the regulations must ”adapt to these trends or risk becoming obsolete, or even harming rather than helping consumers and future innovations.”

Photo for the Article - PCC Eyes Data Science in Competition Law, Regulatory Policies

“In antitrust, online platforms are among those that benefited the most from the pandemic-induced transition to a digital economy. The strategic use of data can lead to market structures that incentivize players to abuse their dominance. Thus, regulations must adapt to these trends or risk becoming obsolete, or even harming rather than helping consumers and future innovations,” – Arsenio M. Balisacan, PCC chairperson

The PCC and the Apec secretariat organized a capacity building workshop last March 23, as part of the culminating activity of the project. The Data Science for Competition Policy Toolkit, which promotes the use of empirical techniques for competition assessments, was presented during this workshop. The virtual workshop had the participation of over 300 attendees, including representatives from competition authorities within the Apec region.

“Big data can be the silent witness of competition authorities in uncovering cartels and abuses of dominance. By analyzing aberrations and trends in price points and other factors, we reinforce our capacities for evidence-based case building and litigation. We are privileged to work with the Apec secretariat in this project,” Balisacan added.

Recently, following the current massive digitalization of industries and institutions, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and Digital Pilipinas signed a Memorandum of Understanding that targets to lay out strategies in establishing university-based decentralized innovation centers across the Philippines. The move aims to promote education, industry, and government collaboration with blockchain and other emerging technologies. (Read more: DOST To Launch Decentralized Innovation Centers in PH Universities)

Last year, in an interview with BitPinas, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) stated that they aim to promote blockchain awareness in the country. (Read more: Interview: DICT Aims to Promote Blockchain Awareness)

This article is published on BItPinas: PCC Eyes Data Science in Competition Law, Regulatory Policies

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