EU launches antitrust investigation into Amazon over e-books

BRUSSELS (AP) – The European Union’s executive branch has opened an antitrust investigation into certain business practices by online retailer Amazon in the distribution of e-books, which have become increasingly popular in recent years.

The European Commission said Thursday that it will investigate certain clauses in Amazon’s contracts with publishers, including a requirement for publishers to inform the company about arrangements it has with Amazon competitors.

Margrethe Vestager, the Commission’s top official on competition policy, stressed that the investigation does not call into question Amazon’s successful and comprehensive service.

However, she said it is her duty “to make sure that Amazon’s arrangements with publishers are not harmful to consumers, by preventing other e-book distributors from innovating and competing effectively with Amazon.”