OPI PIB’s AI solutions draw attention from the European Commission

News
In 2021, the National Information Processing Institute (OPI PIB) claimed first prize at a competition for the development and implementation of a tool that easily and rapidly detects illegal clauses in consumer agreements. The solution designed by OPI PIB has been supporting the Polish Office of Competition and Consumer Protection (UOKiK) for several years. ARBUZ, a system created by the AI LAB team at OPI PIB, demonstrates the practical use of artificial intelligence in scanning B2C contracts for unlawful provisions. ARBUZ relies on transformer models and search methods to fully automate tasks, from analysing content to generating documents.

ARBUZ has gained recognition of the European Commission, which is evaluating its broader application within the European Union. Preliminary work and discussions are in progress.

Artificial intelligence supports clerical tasks
In 2021, UOKiK launched a competition called Development of AI-based software for text analysis of template agreements used in consumer transactions to detect illegal clauses in B2C template agreements. The competition was organised as part of the Artificial Intelligence for Consumer Protection Empowerment project, which was co-funded by the European Union. The goal of the UOKiK initiative was to create an AI tool that would significantly improve the efficiency of detection of breaches of consumer law. The project addressed the need to accelerate the analysis that incorporates the large amount of data processed by UOKiK and to automate all tasks that can be performed using AI. The tool considerably facilitated the verification of consumer agreements, while allowing UOKiK employees to make final decisions on ex officio intervention.

The OPI PIB’s tool gains popularity in Europe
Artificial intelligence significantly facilitates the identification of unlawful clauses in consumer contracts. Using natural language processing, AI can quickly identify phrases that violate legal standards. The automation of the process saves both time and money. ARBUZ assists UOKiK employees in scanning agreements even before they are reported by consumers.
‘The ARBUZ system, developed by the AI LAB team at OPI PIB, has gained recognition across Europe. We are proud to have received commendation for this innovative tool which contributes to fostering transparency and fairness in B2C relations. Our system has attracted the interest of the European Commission. We have held our first round of talks in Brussels. I look forward to seeing ARBUZ implemented by public administration in other EU member states,’ said Dr Jarosław Protasiewicz, Head of the National Information Processing Institute.

‘Our system exemplifies the effective use of artificial intelligence to perform tasks that would otherwise be time-consuming for humans. ARBUZ enables the simultaneous analysis of a large number of documents. The system has helped optimise workflows, giving employees more time for other responsibilities. ARBUZ leverages artificial intelligence to curb illegal practices and strengthen consumer rights protection in Poland and, hopefully, in Europe,’ adds Dr Marek Kozłowski, Head of the AI LAB at the National Information Processing Institute.
ARBUZ is not the only OPI PIB’s AI-driven tool that protects consumer rights. Experts at OPI PIB and researchers at the Institute of Computer Science of the Polish Academy of Sciences (IPI PAN) have also designed ANSI, an IT system to identify consumer opinions on the safety and quality of products, including their dual quality. ANSI was developed as part of the INFOSTRATEG III programme implemented by the Polish National Centre for Research and Development (NCBiR).

For more information on ARBUZ, see the Artificial Intelligence and Law Springer Nature series.