Review of the book 'Algoritmos de consumo: discriminação, determinismo e solução online de conflitos na era da inteligência artificial', by Dennis Verbicaro

Abstract

We are living in murky times when it comes to consumer protection and, in particular, the uncritical interaction of consumers with artificial intelligence. Abusive practices such as discrimination and determinism are becoming more sophisticated and proliferating in secrecy. It is no coincidence that this is the title of the newest and most important work by Professor Dennis Verbicaro. With his unique writing style that questions current issues, the author situates consumer law in the digital era, diagnosing serious problems and presenting solutions that include data privacy protection but go further, by proposing that the current focus must be on preserving consumers’ freedom of choice and their very individuality. The book under review here originated from postdoctoral research conducted at the Complutense University of Madrid and the University of Salamanca, both in 2023, focusing on the transformations in consumer relations brought about by technological disruption and artificial intelligence.