FTC's lawsuit against Amazon over alleged ad-price manipulation

The FTC, joined by more than 20 states, moves to sue Amazon, alleging the company secretly and systematically manipulated advertising prices through tactics like a 'soft reserve.'

2 stories207 sourcesUpdated Sep 1, 2026

In this storyline:Amazon Federal Trade Commission Lina M. Khan

FTC's lawsuit against Amazon over alleged ad-price manipulation — Photo: Reanimated Man X / Wikimedia Commons (Pexels)

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Sep 1, 2026
The FTC prepares to sue Amazon over allegedly manipulating advertising prices through tactics such as a 'soft reserve,' with more than 20 states set to join the case.
202 sources on this →
Sep 1, 2026
The FTC's lawsuit alleges Amazon has been 'secretly and systematically' overcharging advertisers for ads.
5 sources on this →

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Business

FTC lawsuit alleges Amazon has been ‘secretly and systematically’ overcharging for ads

5 sources

Business

FTC and states accuse Amazon of secretly inflating ad prices by $20 billion

The FTC is preparing to file a lawsuit against Amazon over allegedly manipulating advertising prices through bid tactics such as a “soft reserve,” with more than 20 states set to join. The case, expected to be filed in Seattle federal court and potentially involving billions in penalties, follows long-running probes into Amazon’s ad pricing practices.

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