算法共谋中经营者责任的认定:基于意思联络的解读与分析

Determination of Undertakings’Responsibilities in Algorithmic Collusion:Interpretation and Analysis Based on Communication

在算法共谋中,意思联络达成与维持的方式发生了较大变化,因此经营者责任的认定面临着意思联络判定的困难。基于此,从意思联络视角讨论算法共谋场景下经营者责任认定问题具有一定的必要性。研究发现,算法便利了经营者实施间接意思联络,鉴于间接意思联络的特殊性,有必要扩展意思联络这一概念,知情默许与合理预见也应构成意思联络,并适当加强竞争者的背离义务。在算法共谋的场景下,对平行行为与协同行为进行划分仍然是具有意义的,但是需要依照意思联络表现形式的变化对两者的划分标准进行调整。算法共谋中经营者责任的认定受到算法工具性与自主性影响,当前反垄断法主要将算法视为工具,但随着自我学习算法的发展,算法的自主性也应当纳入考量。可以依据经营者对意思联络知情与否以及算法自主性程度作为分类标准对经营者责任进行分类讨论。

In algorithmic collusion,the way to achieve and maintain the communication between the undertakings has changed largely.So it is difficult to prove the communication when determining the responsibilities of the undertakings.Based on this,it is necessary to identify the undertakings’responsibilities in the algorithm-collusion scenario from the perspective of communication.The results show that,first,the algorithm facilitates the undertakings’implementation of indirect communication.Considering the particularity of indirect communication,it is necessary to expand the concept of communication.Informed acquiescence and reasonable foresight should also constitute communication,and the duty of public distancing of competitors should be appropriately strengthened.Second,in the algorithmic collusion scenario,it is still meaningful to classify the parallel behaviour and the concerted practice,but the classification criteria of the two should be adjusted according to the change of the forms of communication.Finally,the determination of undertakings’responsibilities in algorithm-based collusion is affected by the instrumentality and autonomy of algorithms.At present,the Anti-Monopoly Law mainly regards algorithms as tools,but with the development of self-learning algorithms,the autonomy of algorithms should also be taken into consideration.The responsibilities of undertakings can be classified and discussed according to whether undertakings know about the communication and the degree of algorithm autonomy.