European Commission opens investigation into Amazon

The European Commission is going to open an investigation into the business practices of online store Amazon in the e-book market. Amazon would oblige publishers to inform the web store about conditions and prices of competing providers.

Because Amazon knew about the conditions and prices of competitors in this way, it was able to adjust its own prices and conditions in order to be one step ahead of the competition, the European Commission writes.

The fact that the Commission is now starting an investigation does not mean that Amazon is guilty of obstructing competition, but it does indicate that the Commission has serious suspicions against the online store.

An investigation into Amazon could take up to several years, with the Commission hearing witnesses from Amazon and companies involved in the case. If the Commission finds Amazon guilty, it could lead to a large fine or other measures. For example, Intel was fined heavily for obstructing AMD and Philips and Samsung were also fined by the European Commission. Amazon is already risking a hefty fine over another Commission investigation.