The complaint cites deceptive Prime enrollment and difficult cancellation policies.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has taken legal action against Amazon, Inc. for engaging in fraudulent practices related to its Prime program. In its complaint, the FTC accused Amazon of employing deceptive user-interface designs, known as “dark patterns,” to enroll consumers in Prime without their knowledge or consent. Amazon has also deliberately complicated the cancellation process for Prime subscriptions, requiring consumers to navigate through multiple pages and encounter offers to continue the subscription or turn off auto-renewal before finally being able to cancel, putting its financial interests ahead of facilitating user cancellations.
“Amazon tricked and trapped people into recurring subscriptions without their consent, not only frustrating users but also costing them significant money,” said FTC Chair Lina Khan. “These manipulative tactics harm consumers and law-abiding businesses alike. The FTC will continue to vigorously protect Americans from ’dark patterns‘ and other unfair or deceptive practices in digital markets.”
The FTC claimed that Amazon was fully aware of these issues but failed to address them until the investigation was initiated. The complaint further accuses Amazon of attempting to impede and delay the commission’s investigation.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Chair Lina Khan as she leads the commission in endeavors to protect American consumers.
- For FTC commissioners as they determine what actions to take against perpetrators of fraud.
- For Amazon customers who have unwittingly been signed up for Prime or who have had difficulty canceling the service.
Sources: Federal Trade Commission
