In view of the massive development of AI technologies in society and economy, the paper identifies current proposals for the regulation of artificial intelligence at the EU level, which will be directly implemented in the Member States. The rapidly changing market if forcing a new approach of competition authorities to this process and raises the question of the role of competition policy in the digital economy. The main thread of the paper is therefore to highlight the existing and expected challenges for the protection of competition related to the increased use of AI algorithms by entrepreneurs for the implementation and maintenance of cartels concluded in the traditional manner, as well as algorithms affecting competition without human intervention. To maintain some objectivity in the discussion, significant pro-competitive benefits of their use are also indicated.