SENATE PANEL PROBES AMAZON OVER CHINESE INFLUENCE

Amazon.com Inc. faces scrutiny from the Senate Small Business Committee over claims that the company permitted Chinese interests to exert influence over its e-commerce platform. Bloomberg obtained documents detailing the investigation, which was confirmed by two individuals involved in the inquiry. The investigation focuses on how Chinese entities may have shaped Amazon's marketplace policies and practices. The probe represents growing congressional concern about foreign influence over major U.S. technology platforms. Lawmakers have increasingly targeted large tech companies over national security and competitive practice issues, particularly regarding Chinese involvement. Amazon's marketplace hosts millions of third-party sellers, including many based in China. The company has faced previous criticism over its handling of Chinese sellers and allegations that it has leveraged marketplace data to develop competing products. The investigation adds to mounting regulatory pressure on Amazon from multiple fronts. The company faces separate antitrust inquiries from federal agencies and state attorneys general, as well as questions from lawmakers about its labor practices and market dominance. No formal charges or findings have been announced. The investigation remains ongoing as the committee gathers information about Amazon's relationships with Chinese business entities and any influence they may have exercised over marketplace operations. Amazon has not publicly commented on the investigation. The company has historically maintained that it operates its marketplace according to consistent policies applied to all sellers regardless of origin. The timing of the probe reflects broader U.S. policy shifts toward scrutinizing Chinese economic activities and investments in American companies, particularly in the technology sector.