Chess: European Commission Complaint
By Prof Dr Ian Blackshaw
It has been reported that Vladimir Kramnik, the former World Chess Champion, has filed, at the European Commission (EC), a formal complaint, which includes more than 60 pages of documentation and 14 formal allegations, regarding the conduct of Chess.com, the world's largest online chess platform.
Kramnik alleges a range of issues in his filing, including:
- Abuse of a dominant position in the online chess market.
- Lack of transparency in anti-cheating practices.
- Retaliation against players who publicly raise concerns.
It has also been reported that further legal action may be taken in the United States.
The CEO of World Chess, Ilya Merenzon, commented:
"Chess.com has become a highly influential force in the global chess ecosystem. However, as with any dominant platform, concerns around transparency and accountability are natural and increasingly voiced within the community. We believe that the chess world benefits when procedures - especially related to fair play - are visible, challengeable, and governed by clear rules.”
And added:
“Mr. Kramnik's decision to elevate these issues to a regulatory level is significant. Regardless of the outcome, it reflects a broader shift toward formal oversight in digital chess, which we view as a positive step."
It will be interesting to see, after reviewing the complaint, whether the EC will launch a formal investigation, under Article 102 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and, if so, whether the complaint will be upheld and fines and/or other measures will be imposed on World Chess.
Prof Dr Ian Blackshaw may be contacted by e-mail at ‘
