The Federal Trade Commission has released a report condemning Amazon and social-media giants such as Meta for inadequate privacy controls and aggressive data collection practices, including for children. The FTC report reveals the companies collect and monetize user data without sufficient oversight and often fail to delete user data upon request. FTC Chair Lina Khan called for legislative action to limit surveillance and enhance consumer data rights.

Republican lawmakers and industry groups are urging the White House to intervene in the dispute between dockworkers and East Coast ports to prevent a potential strike that could disrupt supply chains. In a letter signed by 69 House Republicans, the lawmakers emphasized the economic consequences of a strike and called for the administration to aid in negotiations. Trade groups and companies like Maersk have also expressed concerns about the impact of a work stoppage.

Winsupply has agreed to buy a 38-acre property in Miamisburg, Ohio, with plans to build a 622,728-square-foot facility to house office, warehouse and distribution spaces, as well as outdoor storage, part of the residential and commercial construction distributor's aim to to support its growing network of entrepreneurs. The company's plans are set to be reviewed by the city planning commission in October. The construction timeline has not been finalized.

Amazon is using robots, many with integrated AI, for functions throughout the supply chain from storage at the front end of the process, through improved sortation and on to delivery optimization, says Tye Brady, chief technologist at Amazon Robotics. Brady sees collaboration between humans and robots as an area of great potential, and says assumption of mundane tasks by robots will help the company most effectively tap into human qualities of creativity and empathy.

Despite advancements in technology and increased speed in supply chain planning, faster processes alone do not lead to better decisions or improved performance, writes Robin Bhatnagar, product marketing director at Blue Yonder. Instead, Bhatnagar emphasizes the need for better scenario planning, explainable AI and machine learning, enhanced planner experience and end-to-end capabilities.

B2B commerce companies are increasingly adopting generative AI to enhance lead generation, personalize customer interactions and streamline sales processes. Unlike B2C companies, B2B firms deal with complex sales channels and large product catalogs, making GenAI an ideal tool for providing instantaneous responses and relevant product recommendations, writes Sergio Iacobucci of Coveo. Iacobucci notes that GenAI can improve the buying experience, expedite sales and increase average order value.

More than 80% of CEOs expect a full return to the office within three years, up significantly from a year earlier, according to a KPMG survey. Amazon announced a full-time, return-to-office policy for corporate staff last week, a move that comes as the labor market tightens and power shifts back to employers. Other companies are expected to follow Amazon's lead, but KPMG warns of a widening gap between executive and employee perspectives and emphasizes the need for flexible work arrangements to meet employees' expectations.

Minneapolis Federal Reserve President Neel Kashkari said the future interest rate cuts would likely be smaller than last week's 50 basis point reduction. The Federal Open Market Committee's half-point cut was necessary to address a softening labor market, Kashkari said, adding future rate adjustments are likely to be smaller unless there are significant changes in economic data. Atlanta Fed President Raphael Bostic shared similar sentiment, noting the Fed is positioned to adjust the pace of easing based on inflation and labor market conditions.

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