A US district judge has dismissed a proposed class-action lawsuit alleging that Amazon's Buy Box was manipulated to disadvantage customers, ruling that plaintiffs failed to provide adequate evidence. The lawsuit, filed by Jeffrey Taylor and Robert Selway, followed earlier antitrust investigations in the European Union and the United Kingdom which found that since at least 2016, Amazon's algorithm had obscured more affordable options with faster delivery to favor Fulfilled By Amazon (FBA) sellers.
Despite Amazon's 2022 changes to its Buy Box practices aimed at restoring trust, the plaintiffs claimed they suffered financial harm from the alleged price rigging. However, Judge Marsha Pechman of Seattle ruled that simply demonstrating Amazon's misconduct was insufficient under Washington's Consumer Protection Act.
To proceed, the judge emphasized that the plaintiffs needed to supply specific transaction records, such as receipts, showing they paid higher prices while cheaper alternatives were available. The plaintiffs have 30 days to amend their complaint to include detailed proof of transactions or allegations of specific instances where they were financially impacted.
While the court's decision does not entirely close the door on the lawsuit, it highlights the challenges consumers face in proving financial harm from past transactions, especially when detailed documentation is required. Read more on Ars Technica.