THE PRESIDENT OF RUSSIA SIGNED A LAW ON STRENGTHENING RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE USE OF DIGITAL ALGORITHMS IN CARTELS

The document is an integral part of the "fifth antimonopoly package"         

The Law* establishes the use of digital algorithms in cartel agreements as an aggravating circumstance when bringing to administrative responsibility.

The need for innovation relates to the increased use of such algorithms in the conclusion and implementation of anti-competitive agreements.

Besides, the law introduces a doubled amount of an administrative fine for repeated failure to comply with the instructions of the antimonopoly authority. We are talking about cases when the infringing company has already been brought to administrative responsibility for not fulfilling such an order and not stopping the violation within the newly established time limits.

At the moment, the maximum amount of an administrative fine for non-compliance with the instructions of the Authority for legal entities is 500 thousand rubles **.

The document will increase the effectiveness of antimonopoly control measures in digital markets, as well as the protection of the rights and interests of market participants from monopolistic activities.

For reference:

* Federal Law dated  August 4, 2023 No. 426-FZ "On Amendments to the Code of Administrative Offences of the Russian Federation"

** Part 2.1-2.3 of Article 19.5 of the Administrative Code of the Russian Federation