
When Algorithms Raise Prices: The Amazon Antitrust Case
The FTC and 17 states allege Amazon uses real-time, AI-driven pricing to not only set its own prices but steer rivals’ strategies, including an anti-discounting algorithm and a proactive “Nessie” system that raised prices across the market via feedback loops. The case argues this unilateral algorithmic manipulation undermines competition, affects third‑party sellers, and may require new rules—such as limiting how often prices can change—while the trial proceeds.


