Amazon faces US trial over alleged Prime subscription deceptions
3 hours ago
- #FTC
- #Prime
- #Amazon
- Amazon is on trial for allegedly tricking customers into enrolling in Prime and making cancellation difficult.
- The FTC accuses Amazon of using 'dark patterns' to deceive consumers during checkout.
- Amazon allegedly enrolled customers without clear consent and created a complex cancellation process nicknamed 'Iliad'.
- The case is part of broader efforts to regulate big tech companies in the US.
- Amazon allegedly resisted changes to reduce unwanted Prime sign-ups due to revenue concerns.
- The FTC claims Amazon's checkout process was confusing, with Prime sign-up buttons more prominent than decline options.
- Amazon's cancellation process is described as a 'labyrinthine' multi-step procedure.
- The FTC seeks penalties, monetary relief, and permanent injunctions to change Amazon's practices.
- Amazon argues the FTC is stretching the law and that its processes have improved.
- The trial is expected to last four weeks and could result in financial penalties and court-ordered changes.