Amazon Also In Crosshairs Of American Judges

Following Google, another major US technology company is on the judges’ radar. On September 26, the giant Jeff Bezos was sued by the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) and the attorneys general of 17 states. The charge is abuse of a dominant position. Amazon allegedly illegally controls the market in order to increase prices for customers and extract high royalties from companies selling through the platform.

According to some analysts, this trial of the e-commerce giant could fundamentally change the world of online shopping. However, according to the company, the only possible outcome will be a smaller selection of available products and higher prices, which will especially disadvantage small companies. This is essentially the opposite of the FTC’s intentions.

“The lawsuit filed today by the Federal Trade Commission is factually and legally unlawful, and we are ready to defend our case in court,” Bezos’s company explains. “The lawsuit makes clear how the FTC’s focus has radically shifted away from its mandate to protect consumers and competition. The disputed practices have helped stimulate competition and innovation throughout the retail sector,” added Amazon senior vice president David Zapolsky, as quoted by Italian news agency ANSA.

According to the Federal Trade Commission, “if Amazon is not stopped, it will continue its illegal behavior to maintain its monopoly power.” The court is being asked to put an end to Amazon’s perceived illegal practices and restore free competition. There is talk of “structural measures to restore fair competition,” words that, according to Reuters, could be interpreted as a demand to sell part of the company.