I knew we weren't crazy! Samsung, SK Hynix and Micron just got sued — accused of using 'AI' to fix prices and screw your wallet in RAMpocalypse

A class action lawsuit has been filed against memory giants Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron, accusing them of price-fixing and market manipulation. The plaintiffs allege that these companies are using the massive demand for AI-driven High-Bandwidth Memory (HBM) as a smokescreen to artificially create shortages in the consumer RAM market, thereby driving up prices for everyday users and businesses.

The three companies control approximately 90% of the global DRAM market, creating a tight oligopoly. While the manufacturers are expected to argue that the de-prioritization of consumer RAM is a legitimate business response to unprecedented demand from AI data centers, the lawsuit seeks to prove that this shift is a coordinated effort to gouge consumers. This follows a historical precedent where these companies previously faced fines for DRAM price-fixing in 2005.

The outcome of the case will depend on whether the plaintiffs can uncover direct evidence of collusion, such as internal communications, rather than relying on circumstantial market data. If successful, it could result in one of the most significant antitrust trials in the technology sector.

(Source：Tom's Guide)