European Union: Announced European Commission investigation into Amazon's alleged self-preferencing under the Digital Markets Act

On 25 March 2024, the European Commission opened an investigation into Amazon concerning its alleged self-preferencing on the Amazon Store and its compliance with the Digital Markets Act (DMA). The investigation concerns Art. 6(5) of the DMA, which states that the ranking of services and products offered by a gatekeeper and its rivals shall not be in favour of the gatekeeper. The article further specifies that any ranking should be fair, transparent and non-discriminatory. The Commission will specifically investigate Amazon’s alleged self-preferencing regarding its own brand products in the Amazon Store. The Commission aims to conclude the investigation within 12 months.