Digital assistants and consumer law– disruption or innovation?

There can be little doubt that the arrival of consumer-facing applications based on the fruits of decades of Artificial Intelligence (AI) research has the potential for disruptive effects in many areas. The search for new applications based on Generative AI technology has pointed to various use-cases, including the possibility of developing consumer-focused ‘AI agents’ that can automate making contracts for a consumer. These applications would automate some of the stages a consumer would usually follow in deciding whether to make a purchase. Crucially, this could the final step to be taken by a consumer to conclude a legally binding contract, the placing of the order (assuming that such applications would operate in the online environment only). One might expect to see a variety of different applications emerge over time, with different degrees of automation and complexity, and likely with a variety of different designations. Digital Assistants for Consumer Contracts, on which more below. As there is now a reasonable prospect that some digital assistant applications might become available for consumer use, the question this contribution seeks to ask whether, and to what extent, their arrival would affect UK Consumer Law.