FTC and 17 States Launch Antitrust Lawsuit Against Amazon Amid New Product Launches and Domain Expansion
Sep/27/2023
In a significant legal challenge, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and 17 U.S. states have accused Amazon of anti-competitive practices, including stifling competition among online merchants by imposing stringent conditions on them. The lawsuit claims Amazon forced sellers on its platform to refrain from offering lower prices on other platforms and coerced them into using its logistics services. FTC Chair Lina Khan, known for her critique of Amazon's market power, stated that the suit aims to restore fair competition. The lawsuit comes amid years of scrutiny on Amazon's broad influence over online retail, working conditions, and even the U.S. Postal Service. Amazon's relationship with the FTC has been tense, with Amazon previously attempting to have Khan recused from antitrust matters involving the company. Meanwhile, as the legal pressures mount, Amazon continues its business as usual, recently registering over 100 domains for new product launches such as Eye Gaze on Alexa, Map View for home mapping on Alexa, and Ring Pet Tag for pet tracking. These new ventures highlight the company's relentless expansion, even as it faces accusations of using its market position to crowd out competitors. Critics argue that despite Amazon's domain registrations for these new products, the sheer number of potential domain variations leaves room for consumer deception, exacerbating concerns about the company's influence and business practices. A recent word cloud reveals key domains recently registered by Amazon, offering insights into the company's strategic focus areas. Additionally, the overall share of Top-Level Domains (TLDs) in Amazon's recently registered domains indicates a deliberate approach to domain acquisition, further solidifying its online presence even amidst regulatory challenges.
