Consumer Autonomy and Agentic AI: Connecting the Dots across EU Digital Regulation

In this session, we are joined by Dr Klaus Wiedemann. Dr Wiedemann will present his research on 'Consumer Autonomy and Agentic AI: Connecting the Dots across EU Digital Regulation'.

Abstract: AI agents are digital tools that can achieve specific goals for consumers with a certain degree of autonomy. A recent example is Meta’s Muse agent. Agentic AI represents the next step in the technological evolution of AI assistants. Consumer autonomy is a normative concept, deeply rooted in fundamental rights considerations. It is also a prerequisite for functioning markets. 

Despite their potential to increase welfare, promote innovation and boost efficiency, AI agents can pose various threats to consumer autonomy. For instance, they could result in consumers having fewer choices, or they could manipulate consumers. This presentation therefore aims to determine whether the EU digital regulatory framework adequately protects consumer autonomy when users engage with agentic AI. 

The analysis is normative: it is based on the values underpinning the EU digital regulatory framework and on the fundamental rights and values of the EU. It relies on a conceptual framework of consumer autonomy. Competitive implications, technical aspects, and behavioural economics are also considered. The EU digital regulatory framework, including competition law and the DMA, is analysed holistically, based on the conceptual framework’s structure.