Commission
opens formal antitrust investigation into Amazon
The
European Commission has launched an in-depth investigation into Amazon’s use of
retailer data who sell on the Amazon marketplace.
The
Commission’s investigation covers possible breaches of Article 101/ 102 TFEU.
Amazon
sells products on its website as a retailer, while also providing a platform
where independent retailers can sell their products direct to customers. The Commission has concerns that Amazon is
using competitively sensitive independent retailer information to distort
competition in the online marketplace.
The
Commission will also investigate the agreements between Amazon and sellers
which allow Amazon to access and analyse third party data. It will also probe Amazon’s use of data in
selection of winners of the “Buy Box” which allows customers to add items
directly to their shopping cart.
Competition
authorities in Germany and Italy have also examined whether Amazon is distorting
competition in its capacity as a platform operator. This has prompted Amazon to announce changes
to the standard terms on which it deals with retailers.
Case
Amazon Marketplace (AT.40462)
Commission
press release IP/19/4291
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