The Polish competition authority, UOKiK, has launched a new project focused on the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) in consumer protection as part of the International Consumer Protection Enforcement Network (ICPEN). This initiative, which UOKiK leads in collaboration with the Italian consumer protection authority AGCM, aims to enhance the capabilities of consumer protection agencies in effectively implementing AI.

The project will last for one year and consists of four thematic modules. The first module, which has already been conducted, focused on AI as a risk to consumer protection, while the second module included a webinar on how consumer protection authorities can practically implement AI. The webinar showcased examples from various jurisdictions, emphasizing that AI is not just a future technology but a current tool that can improve complaint analysis and abuse detection.

The project adopts a dual approach: viewing AI as an opportunity to support public agencies in their functions, such as complaint analysis and market monitoring, and as a risk, addressing issues like algorithmic discrimination and lack of transparency when used by businesses against consumer interests.

A working group for the project includes representatives from consumer agencies in thirteen countries, demonstrating the global relevance of AI implementation and its associated challenges. The project will culminate in a conference in March 2026, focusing on AI in public administration and best practices in data scraping and market data collection.