US Regulator Accuses Amazon of Manipulating Ad Prices

The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has filed a lawsuit against e-commerce giant Amazon, accusing it of manipulating advertising pricing. The Commission alleges that the company overcharged approximately 1.2 million businesses for promoting their products. According to the FTC, Amazon disrupted competition by secretly increasing prices for its advertising services and engaging in deceptive practices. The lawsuit claims that Amazon used its algorithms and pricing policies to boost its advertising revenue, significantly raising costs for small businesses. The FTC argues that these practices create unfair competition for both sellers and consumers, distorting market balance. Amazon has not yet made an official statement. However, the company is known to have defended itself against similar accusations in the past, asserting that its advertising pricing is transparent. This lawsuit is seen as part of increasing regulatory pressure on tech giants. Experts suggest that this case could impact Amazon's advertising business model and market dominance. In line with the FTC's request, the company may be required to pay compensation and alter its business practices. The legal process is expected to be lengthy, with Amazon likely to appeal. This is not investment advice.