Competition Commission of India to soon bring new set of merger regulations

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₹2,000 crore, even if the deal does not otherwise meet the asset and sales threshold for merger regulations. The amendments also said CCI has to make a first impression of a deal within 30 days, failing which it will be deemed to be approved. Kaur also explained that the emergence of new-age markets has led to a revamp in competition laws around the world, as digital economy adds to the complexities.

“In fact, the digital economy has challenged traditional competition law frameworks worldwide. Countries and economic blocks have responded by either adapting domestic lows or introducing new regulations specifically targeting digital markets. There has been a marked increase in scrutiny of digital technology companies around the world," Kaur said.

In line with these, the ministry of corporate affairs is now working on a Digital Competition Bill that would bring in a set of dos and don'ts for systemically important digital economy firms. Public consultation on a draft bill is over and inter-ministerial consultations will happen over the next few months before it is taken to parliament. Kaur said that CCI is also initiating a market study on artificial intelligence.

“The transformative power of AI has significant pro-competition potential but at the same time there may be competition concerns emanating from the use of AI. The study will be a knowledge building exercise to develop an in-depth understanding of the emerging competition landscape. Kaur said digital markets need to be regulated to prevent "a winner-takes-all scenario where one or a few companies may dominate the market." Kaur also said that companies gathering large amounts of data could pose concerns around competition.