US: Authors step up pressure on DOJ to probe Amazon

The Authors Guild has increased its pressure on the US Department of Justice to launch an investigation into Amazon’s business practice, according to reports.

Several weeks ago reports emerged that the group of authors had sent a letter to DOJ antitrust division head Bill Baer requesting a formal investigation into Amazon. The online retailer’s practices have come under scrutiny since it was revealed Amazon discouraged shoppers from purchasing Hachette products as the retailer and publisher quarreled over eBook prices.

Now, unnamed sources say the Authors Guild met with officials in early August to discuss the matter. That meeting, reports say, took place shortly after the letter was sent to Baer.

Reports say that one unnamed source, who was in attendance at the meeting, said DOJ lawyers listened to the Authors Guild’s concerns, but noted that there was no indication as to whether officials would launch an antitrust investigation. Amazon declined to comment on the matter.

Full content: Wall Street Journal

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