Amazon and FTC Begin Federal Trial Over Prime Subscription Practices
Amazon and the FTC begin a federal trial in Seattle, addressing allegations of deceptive 'dark patterns' used to enroll and retain customers in its Prime service, starting September 23.
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Overview
- Amazon and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) have commenced a federal trial in Seattle's U.S. District Court, with the first hearing starting on Tuesday, September 23.
- The FTC filed a lawsuit two years ago, accusing Amazon of tricking customers into signing up for its Prime service through manipulative user-interface designs.
- A key allegation is Amazon's use of "dark patterns," intentionally making it challenging for subscribers to cancel their Prime memberships, thereby retaining unwanted subscriptions.
- This trial is expected to last several months, representing a critical phase in the legal battle over consumer deception against the e-commerce giant.
- The case highlights broader concerns about companies allegedly misleading users into unwanted subscriptions or actions through deceptive design practices.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame this story by consistently adopting the FTC's strong language and narrative. They emphasize allegations of Amazon "duping" and "tricking" customers into Prime, detailing specific "manipulative" practices. While including Amazon's denials, the coverage prioritizes the FTC's claims, internal Amazon criticisms, and judicial rulings that reinforce the negative portrayal of Amazon's conduct.
"The FTC is seeking fines, customer refunds and a ban on deceptive tactics."
CNET"The FTC alleges Amazon used "manipulative, coercive or deceptive user interface designs" to trick customers into enrolling in Prime's auto-renewal subscriptions."
USA TODAY"The FTC said Amazon deliberately made it difficult for customers to purchase an item without also subscribing to Prime."
Associated Press"The case centers on claims that Amazon engaged in what the agency said amounted to a "years-long effort" to trick millions of customers into automatically renewing their Prime subscriptions."
CBS NewsArticles (6)
Center (4)
FAQ
Amazon is accused of using 'dark patterns,' which include manipulative user-interface designs that trick consumers into nonconsensual enrollment, forced actions to enroll, interface interference to obscure terms, and a complicated cancellation process.
Amazon allegedly made the cancellation process intentionally complex and obstructive, aiming to prevent subscribers from easily ending their Prime memberships, a practice referred to as the 'Iliad Flow.'
The federal trial started on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, in the U.S. District Court in Seattle.
Amazon is accused of violating the Federal Trade Commission Act and the Restore Online Shoppers’ Confidence Act (ROSCA) by engaging in deceptive practices and failing to obtain consumers' express informed consent.
A federal judge ruled that the FTC's claims are legally sufficient to proceed, acknowledging that Amazon's practices fit the definition of 'dark patterns' and adequately alleged deceptive disclosures and unfair cancellation procedures.
History
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