The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is reportedly planning to file a major antitrust lawsuit against Amazon, alleging that the online retail giant has been abusing its market power to harm rivals.
The potential complaint is likely to focus on Amazon’s use of data from third-party sellers on its platform to develop and promote its own products, as well as its alleged efforts to promote its own services over those of competitors.
If the FTC follows through with the lawsuit, expected to be filed as soon as next month, according to a report from The Wall Street Journal, it would mark the first major antitrust action by the agency against a tech giant since the Department of Justice sued Microsoft in 1998.
What else? Read on!
What Is The Accusation?
Amazon – the world’s largest online retailer – has been accused of using its market power to drive out competitors, by offering lower prices on its products than those of rival sellers, as well as by cutting off access to its platform for vendors who don’t comply with its terms.
The company has also been accused of using its access to data from third-party sellers to better understand consumer demand and develop its products in competition with them.
The FTC has been investigating Amazon’s business practices for several years and is now reportedly preparing to file a lawsuit against the company.
And Will The Lawsuit Succeed?
The agency is expected to focus on Amazon’s alleged use of data from third-party sellers to develop and promote its products, but the outcome of the lawsuit is far from certain.
The FTC will have to prove that Amazon’s behavior is anti-competitive and harms consumers, which could be difficult to do. The agency could also face significant pushback from Amazon, which is likely to argue that its business practices are beneficial to consumers.
Anyway, if the lawsuit succeeds, it could have a huge impact on the tech industry.
Can There Be Impacts Of The Lawsuit? Which Ones?
A successful lawsuit could lead to stricter regulations on how tech companies use data and how they promote their products and services over those of their competitors. It could also lead to more aggressive antitrust actions against tech giants, including Amazon’s rivals such as Apple and Google.
The lawsuit – again, if successful – could also have an impact on Amazon’s business because Amazon could face hefty fines and could be forced to make changes to its practices, which could affect its profitability.
It remains to be seen, however, whether the FTC will be able to prove that Amazon’s business practices are anti-competitive and harmful to consumers.
