Clarification of `Algorithmic Collusion without Threats'

TL;DR

This paper clarifies that a previous scenario labeled as 'algorithmic collusion without threats' is actually a case of non-competitive behavior by one player and competitive behavior by another, not true collusion.

Contribution

It corrects a misinterpretation in prior work by clarifying the nature of the strategic behaviors involved.

Findings

The scenario is not collusion but asymmetric strategic behavior.

Clarification impacts the interpretation of algorithmic interactions.

Revises understanding of competitive vs. non-competitive behaviors.

Abstract

This brief note clarifies that the scenario described in Arunachaleswaran et al. (2025) -- titled `Algorithmic Collusion without Threats' -- is not one of collusion, but one where one player is behaving non-competitively and the other is behaving competitively.