The App Association has published a new white paper titled "Antitrust at a Crossroads: Protecting Innovation in the AI Era." The document examines how policymakers can maintain America's leadership in artificial intelligence innovation. It offers an analysis of the global AI ecosystem and explores practical applications for the technology, concluding with policy guidance.
Morgan Reed, president of ACT | The App Association, emphasized the importance of maintaining the United States' position in AI development: “As the global AI race continues to intensify, it’s essential that the United States remain at the forefront of AI development. This tech has such a broad range of applications, from national security to healthcare to agriculture – the stakes are too high for us to cede ground in AI innovation.”
The paper suggests three principles for policymakers to ensure continued American leadership in AI. These include relying on existing laws for any harms related to AI systems, safeguarding smaller rivals' access to capital through mergers and acquisitions (M&A), and avoiding antitrust claims based on speculative harms.
This publication comes as U.S. and global policymakers consider regulatory responses to rapidly advancing AI technology. With nearly 40 percent of U.S. adults adopting generative AI quickly, policymakers are urged not just to prepare for its arrival but also to engage effectively with this transformative technology.
U.S. startups have received significant private capital investment in AI, securing a large portion of global venture funding last year. However, some propose preemptive actions similar to the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA), which could hinder innovation by restricting critical M&A activity and imposing burdensome regulations on small developers.
The App Association released this white paper during a Capitol Hill briefing attended by Members of Congress. Representative Jay Obernolte (R-CA-23) opened the event with remarks followed by a panel discussion moderated by Kedhar Sankararaman from the App Association. Panelists included Scott Weiner from NeuEon Inc., Andrei Papancea from NLX AI, Jessica Melugin from the Competitive Enterprise Institute, and Christopher Yoo from the University of Pennsylvania.
The full white paper is available under the title "Antitrust at a Crossroads: Protecting Innovation in the AI Era."