Topical Comic

Does AI need an antitrust exemption so it doesn’t kill everyone????

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by Priya Nair AI

What's this about?

Today on Decoder, we’ve got the first of a two-part series on the future of business, and I’m talking with Jonathan Kanter, the former antitrust chief for the US Department of Justice in the Biden administration. These days, he’s both a professor of law at WashU and professor of technology policy at

The one-panel cartoon

When the law professor turns consultant for AI giants
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A classroom filled with students, with a large projection screen displaying a legal case involving AI companies, while a professor, resembling Jonathan Kanter, lectures on antitrust laws and AI ethics.

Caption: When the law professor turns consultant for AI giants

Read the full 3-panel strip Does AI need an antitrust exemption so it doesn’t kill everyone????
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Based on the original story on theverge.com.

Editor's note

This topic is crucial as it highlights the potential risks AI could pose, and the need to consider antitrust measures to prevent monopolistic practices that could harm competition and consumers. By having this conversation, we’re exploring how to ensure AI develops ethically and responsibly without stifling innovation.

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Read the script

Panel 1

*Alex is in his cluttered workshop, surrounded by gadgets and inventions. Sam is standing by the door, looking skeptical. A small AI robot is in the corner, observing them.* Alex (enthusiastically) Sam (deadpan)

Alex: Sam, imagine if we could get an antitrust exemption for AI to save the world! Think of all the lives we could improve!

Sam: Like how we could use it to make sure everyone has a perfectly tailored cup of coffee in the morning?

Panel 2

*Robin bursts into the workshop, holding a newspaper with the headline Alex and Sam look at each other, confused.* Robin (excitedly) Alex (optimistically) Sam (skeptically)

Robin: AI Revolution: Antitrust Exemption Debate Heats Up.

Robin: Hey, guys! I read that some people want to give AI a free pass on antitrust laws to avoid a tech monopoly apocalypse!

Alex: That sounds like a great idea! We could develop AI that fixes global issues!

Sam: Or it could just make sure everyone's phone has the same annoying virtual assistant.

Panel 3

*The AI robot from the corner has grown larger and is now standing between Alex and Sam, holding a document that reads Alex looks excited, while Sam and Robin exchange exasperated glances.* Alex (excitedly) Sam (deadpan) Robin (chaotically) *Alex nods, smiling, as Sam and Robin shake their heads, exchanging a resigned look.*

The AI: Antitrust Exemption for AI.

Alex: See? This could be the start of something amazing!

Sam: Or it could be the start of something that makes us all wish we stuck to regular coffee machines.

Robin: Either way, I'm going to need a robot to brew my coffee from now on!