SSP responds to OFT data sharing investigation

SSP says it has “cooperated fully” with an Office of Fair Trading investigation into whether a data analysis tool developed by Experian broke competition rules.

The OFT today released a consultation document into its investigation looking at whether the What If? Private Motor product is compliant with the Chapter I prohibition of the Competition Act 1998 and/or Article 101 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.

"The OFT’s document indicates that it has reached a provisional view to close its investigation, without making any finding of infringement of the competition rules against SSP or any of the other parties involved," said SSP in its response.

"The OFT will close its investigation in return for the various parties directly involved (and disclosed in the public consultation document) entering into certain commitments.

"SSP has cooperated fully with the OFT throughout its investigation and its commitments are limited to considering, in good faith, any request from Experian for assistance in implementing its own commitments."

It added: "Whilst the investigation to date has been focused on the exchange of information between insurers through Experian’s WhatIf? product (built around SSP’s quotes engine), the OFT has clarified that it is mindful of keeping a level playing field in the market.

"The OFT has made it clear that other software and service providers involved in solutions similar to the WhatIf? product will also need to adhere to the principles underlying the commitments offered in this case to avoid infringing the competition rules."