US regulators have sued Amazon, alleging that the internet giant is illegally maintaining monopoly power.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) said Amazon uses “a set of interlocking anticompetitive and unfair strategies” to push up prices and stifle competition.
Amazon said the lawsuit was “wrong on the facts and law, and we look forward to making that case in court”.
It is the latest technology giant to be sued by US regulators.
In 2017, Ms Khan, then only 29, published a major academic article arguing the online retailer had escaped anti-competition scrutiny.
Since her surprise appointment as FTC Chair in 2021, this case has been widely expected – and viewed as a crucial test of her leadership.
The dominance of a handful of powerful tech firms has led some US politicians to call for action that would promote more competition in online search, retail and social media.
However, the FTC under Ms Khan has had little to show for its strong rhetoric against Big Tech.
In February it lost its attempt to stop Meta from buying VR company Within.
And in July it lost an attempt to block Microsoft from completing its deal to buy the maker of Call of Duty.
The agency, along with 17 state attorneys, claims that Amazon is a “monopolist” that stops rivals and sellers from lowering prices.
The regulator also alleged the internet giant’s actions “degrade quality for shoppers, overcharge sellers, stifle innovation, and prevent rivals from fairly competing against Amazon”.
However, Amazon says that if the “misguided” FTC lawsuit is successful, it would mean fewer products to choose from, higher prices, and slower deliveries for consumers.
The key part of the case involves consumers losing money – getting worse deals – because of the alleged monopoly.
US anti-competition legislation is complicated, but generally, prosecutors have to show companies have acted in a way that hurts consumers financially.
Earlier this month, a court battle began between Google and the US government, which has accused it of having an advertising technology monopoly.
