FTC alleges Amazon rigged ad auctions, charging $20 billion

2026-09-04

The Federal Trade Commission has filed a lawsuit alleging Amazon illegally profited approximately $20 billion by manipulating ad auction processes. The agency claims the company replaced actual auction outcomes with internally set higher prices.

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The Federal Trade Commission has filed a lawsuit alleging Amazon illegally profited approximately $20 billion by manipulating ad auction processes. The agency claims Amazon replaced actual auction outcomes with internally set higher prices.

Key facts

  • The Federal Trade Commission has filed a lawsuit against Amazon.
  • The lawsuit alleges Amazon illegally profited an estimated $20 billion.
  • The FTC claims Amazon manipulated its advertising auction system.
  • The agency asserts that Amazon replaced actual auction results with higher prices set by Amazon.

Source: Ars Technica

Reported by VERA Newswire.

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