Amazon Accuses FTC of Harassing Bezos in 'Burdensome' Probe (bloomberg.com) 31
Amazon.com accused the US Federal Trade Commission of harassing its founder Jeff Bezos and the company's Chief Executive Officer Andy Jassy as it probes the e-commerce giant's business practices. From a report: In a filing made public on Monday, Amazon claimed that FTC staff have made "unduly burdensome" demands as the agency investigates whether the company's subscription services, including Amazon Prime, violate consumer protection laws. The online retailer is seeking to quash or limit the FTC's most recent civil investigative demands, which are similar to subpoenas. Amazon said the FTC's requests are "unworkable for Amazon to discern the information staff demands and to respond in the timeframe allowed."
The FTC, which has both antitrust and consumer protection mandates, has been investigating Amazon for potential anticompetitive conduct for several years. The filing offers an unusually public glimpse into the ongoing struggle between one of the world's biggest companies and one of its regulators. FTC Chair Lina Khan, who took over the position in June 2021, has escalated the investigation, shaking up the team, re-interviewing potential witnesses and asking questions about the company's recent acquisition of MGM Studios, Bloomberg reported in May
The FTC, which has both antitrust and consumer protection mandates, has been investigating Amazon for potential anticompetitive conduct for several years. The filing offers an unusually public glimpse into the ongoing struggle between one of the world's biggest companies and one of its regulators. FTC Chair Lina Khan, who took over the position in June 2021, has escalated the investigation, shaking up the team, re-interviewing potential witnesses and asking questions about the company's recent acquisition of MGM Studios, Bloomberg reported in May
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fat target. The lawyers and Amazon will settle and promise to "not do it again." The ultimate payoff doesn't get back to the people negatively affected by these FTC settlements.
They're doing what they can (Score:5, Insightful)
Said it before, say it again: we need to stop treating politics like it's reality TV. Stop voting for who has the best adverts and the most fun rallies. Don't listen to politicians speak, read transcripts of what they say. Take their body language out of the equation. Study and practice critical thinking techniques, and demand they be taught in schools.
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This is pretty sad effort Amazon legal team. You should at least use your socket puppet account identity rather than post as an AC.
Re:Oh the billionaires! (Score:4, Insightful)
J. Edgar Hoover would like a word
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I am not sure that is true. To me it seems like we have a couple things going on.
First, we have massive disagreements on who are the villains. It's easy to agree with going after someone you think is Hitler even if that ends up being you sentence them to life in prison for jaywalking.
Second, we have a huge increase in the number of rules. It is impossible to know all of them much less follow them. This both increases who could be attacked this way and causes widespread disregarding of laws.
However, is it ne
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Awww Bezos is Sad (Score:3)
It wasn't me, it was the one-armed man! (Score:2)
The link didn't work for me, try this. [bloomberg.com]
Success breeds contempt. Amazon does a great job of delivering products at reasonable prices. Their success has taken years.
Walmart was criticized for destroying main street small businesses with their supercenters.
The only thing I don't like about this is the broad powers used by federal agencies looking for misdeeds. Enforcing laws is important but trying to use dredging techniques. Probes need to be focused and have a timeline.
I'd also like FTC timelines rebated to c
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*fines not timelines. ugh
Given the size and scope of Amazon (Score:3)
Amazon tries "comedy"? (Score:2)
Surely, this was intended as a joke. "Unduly burdensome" got me laughing anyway.
Simple answer: yes. (Score:2)
That is in opposition to the US consumer protection laws. They can't control you from buying from outside or even inside the country but they can control businesses that resell and warehouse such products.
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What does this have to do with the filing?
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absolutely nothing
In other news... (Score:1)
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Monopoly (Score:3)
If only there was some other brick and mortar or on-line store where I can shop. Unfortunately, Amazon is the only place you can buy things. It's also the only grocery store and streaming service.
Best Buy, Newegg, Publix, Kroger, Meijer, Giant Eagle, Monoprice, Drop, Wal-Mart, Macys, JC Penny, Netflix, HBO+, Hulu, Target, Kohls, Walgreens, CVS, Home Depot, Lowes, Menard's, Von Maur, Nordstrom's, Trader Joe's, Fresh Thyme, REI, Dick's, Sierra Trading Post, Bass Pro, Cabela's, TSC, ACE Hardware, Bed Bath & Beyond, TJ Maxx, Land's End, ABC Warehouse, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, Zara, H&M, Old Navy, Orvis, Brooks Brothers, DSW, Foot Locker, Ulta, Micro Center - I'd love to shop at these stores but I can't any more because of Amazon.
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Well, sure... those are places... but you're missing the grand narrative by insisting that facts align with it.
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Expect the radical Supreme Court (Score:2)
to use this to destroy the power of the FTC.
since Amazon/Bezos runs their warehouses (Score:3)
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Where are you that you see amazon trucks turned over with any frequency?
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Well okay then. Upon challenged, specific location given as well as frequency and detail.
I concede your point!
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Weapons (Score:1)
Dems weaponize everything for political purposes.