Blockchain consortiums (groups of companies that use blockchain technology together) can raise concerns about antitrust issues with respect to fair competition and ensure the companies are not engaging in unethical conduct. These include:

Collusion and Price Fixing: Some companies in a consortium could share competitively sensitive information, such as prices, which would then cause companies to collude regarding pricing, something that is illegal and harmful to consumers.

Market Allocation: Members of a consortium could agree not to compete in specific areas or markets that reduce competition and limited options for consumers.

Barriers to Entry: If only a few large companies control the blockchain, it may be difficult for smaller companies to join or compete on the same level thus also limiting the introduction of new ideas and competition.

Data Sharing Concerns: If companies in a consortium share data, it could be used for unethical practices such as using customer information or pricing information to limit competition in an unethical manner such as favoritism toward specific businesses.

Exclusionary Practices: Consortiums may set out their own rules on how the data will be shared or used which can favor large companies and exclude the rights of smaller companies thus creating an unfair marketplace. It will be important for blockchain consortiums to be aware of the competitive concerns and how they will share information as part of their organizations so as not to harm competition. Blockchain consortiums also need to consider the rules that would create fair playing grounds per state and federal laws.