On March 5, 2025, the French data protection authority, known as CNIL, and the French competition authority, Autorité de la concurrence, held a seminar to discuss the overlapping issues of data protection and competition in the context of artificial intelligence (AI).

The seminar covered a range of topics, including the competitive analysis of the AI sector following a previous opinion issued by the Autorité on generative AI, and the legal compliance of AI model training with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) as per the European Data Protection Board's guidance. The CNIL also shared its recent recommendations aimed at fostering responsible AI development.

Participants explored the economic challenges associated with AI business models and the AI value chain, as well as the implications of open-source strategies for both data protection and competition law. This collaboration reflects the commitment of both authorities to work closely together, as highlighted in their joint declaration from December 12, 2023.

With the ongoing digital transformation and the increasing significance of data in new business models, particularly among large-scale digital platforms, new questions are arising at the intersection of competition analysis and personal data protection.

The seminar served as a platform for sharing insights and methodologies, aiming to facilitate the development of AI systems that are trustworthy and beneficial to the French economy, especially in light of the EU AI Act's implementation.

The recent AI Action Summit emphasized the importance of maintaining healthy competition while also ensuring that AI systems are reliable for users, which is crucial for the economy's competitiveness and the welfare of citizens. Both authorities are committed to a collaborative approach as they navigate the gradual implementation of new European AI regulations.