“Amazon functions as a gatekeeper for e-commerce,” the report said. The subcommittee cited examples that it said showed how Amazon has launched copycat versions of products sold by third-party merchants on its platform. Citing interviews and emails, the subcommittee accused Amazon of discriminating against major competitors through its advertising arm and of using its dominance in some areas to extract advantages in others. Amazon told the Journal that it is common practice among retailers to choose which products they promote on their websites. The congressional report also said Amazon “displayed a lack of candor” and transparency when communicating with the committee over the course of its investigation.

Source: Wall Street Journal October 07, 2020 15:25 UTC