And stupid on Amazon's part, did they think this will make him shut up about Amazon? Or cause more bad publicity

Isn't it just retaliation for sake of retaliation? The company won't be financially affected either way. I wouldn't be surprised at all if some fragile ego called this in.

> The company won't be financially affected either way.

Until the FTC or his Representative start to cost them real money.

If anything I'd expect the federal government to give them a pat on the head.

Even if it was clearly against the law, the most they'd probably get is a letter in the mail from the government that says "Pretty please, with sugar on top, could you write us a letter telling us at least that you will try to break the law less?" The US treats lawbreaking megacorps with kid gloves.

I hope so, but I doubt anything of the sort will happen.

Exactly, Louis Rossmann has gotten heavily into lobbying for right to repair recently, and this could tilt him towards other targets on that level as well.

For example, if companies want to have anything more than a simple (unmoderated) review system there might be certain safe harbours they lose.

It will deter other people from criticizing them though.