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Landmark Lawsuit Accuses Amazon of Antitrust Violations

Government and States Join Forces

Sweeping Lawsuit Alleges Amazon's Monopoly Practices

In a groundbreaking move, the US government and 17 states have filed a lawsuit against Amazon, alleging that the online retail giant has engaged in anti-competitive practices that have stifled competition and harmed consumers.

The sweeping antitrust lawsuit, filed by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and a bipartisan group of state attorneys general, paints Amazon as a monopolist that has used its vast market power to protect its position at the expense of smaller competitors.

The 172-page suit, the federal government's most significant challenge to the power of the online store, accuses Amazon of using its dominance to:

• Restrict competition by preventing other sellers from listing their products on Amazon's platform or by charging them exorbitant fees.
• Force sellers to offer their products exclusively on Amazon, preventing them from selling elsewhere.
• Use its control over access to its platform to punish sellers who compete with Amazon's own products or services.