Artificial Intelligence and Algorithmic Price Collusion in Two-sided Markets

التفاصيل البيبلوغرافية
العنوان: Artificial Intelligence and Algorithmic Price Collusion in Two-sided Markets
المؤلفون: Chica, Cristian, Guo, Yinglong, Lerman, Gilad
سنة النشر: 2024
المجموعة: Computer Science
Quantitative Finance
مصطلحات موضوعية: Economics - General Economics, Computer Science - Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science - Computer Science and Game Theory
الوصف: Algorithmic price collusion facilitated by artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms raises significant concerns. We examine how AI agents using Q-learning engage in tacit collusion in two-sided markets. Our experiments reveal that AI-driven platforms achieve higher collusion levels compared to Bertrand competition. Increased network externalities significantly enhance collusion, suggesting AI algorithms exploit them to maximize profits. Higher user heterogeneity or greater utility from outside options generally reduce collusion, while higher discount rates increase it. Tacit collusion remains feasible even at low discount rates. To mitigate collusive behavior and inform potential regulatory measures, we propose incorporating a penalty term in the Q-learning algorithm.
نوع الوثيقة: Working Paper
URL الوصول: http://arxiv.org/abs/2407.04088
رقم الأكسشن: edsarx.2407.04088
قاعدة البيانات: arXiv