Source: R Street Institute

The R Street Institute, a free-market think tank, argues for a cautious and pro-innovation approach to applying antitrust law to the burgeoning Artificial Intelligence sector in the United States. The commentary warns against premature and heavy-handed regulatory intervention that could stifle the dynamic and rapid innovation currently taking place. The author contends that the primary goal of antitrust enforcement in the AI space should be to protect American competitiveness and ensure the U.S. remains the global leader in this critical technology, rather than simply focusing on breaking up large tech companies.

The article suggests that the current AI market, while concentrated among a few large players, is also characterized by intense competition and low barriers to entry for new, disruptive models. It cautions that overly aggressive antitrust actions, potentially driven by political pressure, could disrupt the vast and complex ecosystems of investment, research, and development that are propelling AI forward. Instead of broad structural remedies, the piece advocates for a "wait-and-see" approach, focusing on specific instances of anti-competitive conduct rather than the mere size of companies. The central message is that U.S. antitrust policy must prioritize long-term innovation and national competitiveness over short-sighted regulatory actions that could cede the future of AI to global rivals.