BRASÍLIA, March 19, 2026 — Brazil’s competition authority has launched a new artificial intelligence initiative aimed at modernising its analytical capabilities and strengthening enforcement of competition law.
The Administrative Council for Economic Defense (CADE) announced the rollout of its “Defesa Econômica com Inteligência Artificial” (D.E.I.A.) project, which will integrate AI tools into its core processes, including document analysis, case screening and the detection of potential anticompetitive conduct.
The initiative is designed to support investigations and merger reviews by enabling automated classification of documents, content summarisation and pattern identification. It also includes the development of AI models tailored to typical competition cases, such as merger control and cartel detection.
As part of the project, CADE plans to incorporate intelligent features into its electronic case management system, including predictive tools to assess procedural timelines and risks, as well as automated drafting assistance.
Officials stressed that the use of AI will complement, rather than replace, the work of case handlers, with human oversight remaining central to decision-making. The authority also plans to provide training to staff to ensure responsible and secure use of the technology, particularly in relation to data governance and information security.
The project forms part of CADE’s broader digital transformation plan, which runs until the end of 2026 and is funded in part by Brazil’s Fund for the Defence of Diffuse Rights.
Recent digital initiatives under the programme include the CADE Digital app, upgrades to its case law search system using machine learning, and new tools to improve transparency and monitoring of decisions.
Through the initiative, CADE aims to enhance efficiency, improve analytical capacity and better respond to increasingly complex market dynamics.
