Acquiring Roomba-maker iRobot will 'entrench Amazon's hold on the smart home technology ecosystem, eliminate competition in that sector, and enhance the company's monopoly power,' groups including fightfortheftr and Public_Citizen warn the FTC.
"The proposed deal poses a striking set of concerns related to consumer privacy and market competition," the letter states."Allowing Amazon to absorb a competing smart home device business with access to incredibly detailed consumer data would endanger fair competition and open markets while also jeopardizing consumer privacy."
Amazon seeks to follow a similar path in buying iRobot. By purchasing an already popular smart home device, they will be able to extend the device's prevalence through anti-competitive pricing while using personal consumer data to further entrench their monopoly power in the digital economy. By selling the Roomba brand at or near a loss via the Prime subscription, the company can access more personal consumer data to buttress its anti-competitive advantages online.
"Amazon uses data not only to further its anti-competitive goals as described in further detail above, but also to feed data-hungry algorithms that attempt to predict and shape the behavior of individual consumers," the letter explains."These algorithms, when paired with Amazon's worldwide impact, exacerbate racist and gender-biased systems of oppression."
Österreich Neuesten Nachrichten, Österreich Schlagzeilen
Similar News:Sie können auch ähnliche Nachrichten wie diese lesen, die wir aus anderen Nachrichtenquellen gesammelt haben.
Amazon accused of practicing anti-competitive behaviorPro-privacy and worker organizations, including Public Citizen and Fight for the Future, urged US antitrust enforcers, the FTC, to stop Amazon from buying iRobot.
Weiterlesen »
Cutting prices. Adding coupons. Amazon sellers see ‘scary’ holiday season as consumers pull backAmazon sellers brace for a bleak holiday shopping season as inflation-bitten consumers curb spending. Many fear they’ll have to cut prices.
Weiterlesen »
Amazon Acquires Warehouse Machinery and Robotics Maker CloostermansCloostermans employees will join Amazon Robotics, Amazon’s division focused on automating aspects of its warehouse operations.
Weiterlesen »
Stop deer from eating plants in San Antonio neighborhoodsChoose plants deer dislike and spray deer repellent on newly-placed plants to curb...
Weiterlesen »
United Airlines invests $15 million in electric aviation startup, orders 200 air taxisThe purchase order is conditional.
Weiterlesen »
8 money-saving factors to consider when buying a new car | PennyWise podcast🎧 These tips can help you save money if you're looking to purchase a vehicle.
Weiterlesen »