Senators ask Jeff Bezos to explain how Amazon recommends products
Two high-profile Senate Democrats are asking Amazon for answers about its “Amazon’s Choice” badge, as it could be deceiving consumers into buying “inferior” products.
In a letter to Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos on Monday, Senators Bob Menendez and Richard Blumenthal asked for more clarity on how the Amazon’s Choice program works, citing a recent BuzzFeed report that showed it often endorses defective or poor quality items.
The senators asked for a “detailed explanation” on the selection process for the Amazon’s Choice badge, including the algorithm used to make the determination and whether employees actually review each item before assigning the distinction. They’re also asking what Amazon is doing to verify user reviews, which could affect what products get the badge, and if any financial compensation is involved in the process.
The letter is the latest example of Washington’s growing concern of Big Tech, specifically regarding the control Amazon has over consumer behavior as more shopping activity moves online and to mobile devices.
An Amazon spokesperson said in a statement to Business Insider that it uses investigators and automated technology to prevent and detect fake reviews at scale.
More Amazon news
New Amazon FBA Program helps to avoid getting Out of Stock
“In-stock head start” program makes inbound products available for sale Amazon is opening up a pilot program to allow selling temporarily out-of-stock items immediately, even before the goods arrive at a fulfillment center. The creatively titled In-Stock...
eBay launches its own fulfillment service next year
eBay is planning to take on Amazon eBay has announced plans to launch its own fulfillment service called Managed Delivery, which will provide end-to-end packaging and deliveries to its sellers. The e-commerce giant plans to launch Managed Delivery in the...
Amazon “destroyed the retail industry across the US”
US Treasury Secretary criticizes Amazon US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said that Amazon “destroyed the retail industry across the United States”. In his opinion the attorney general should investigate the company alongside other tech giants in the...
