FTC Sues Amazon, Alleging Deceptive Tactics to Sign Up and Retain Prime Subscribers

The FTC named 3 Amazon execs accused of misleading tactics to get people to sign up for Prime subscriptions.
Amazon allegedly made the Prime cancellation process confusing on purpose to retain subscribers.
Amazon staff warned executives that the Prime signup was designed to trick users into recurring bills.
The FTC claims Amazon tried to delay its investigation by improperly claiming privilege over documents.
The FTC lawsuit aims to address "dark pattern" techniques used by Amazon and others to sign up and retain subscribers.

theregister.com

Relevant topic timeline:

6/26/2023

Amazon, Friction, and the FTC

The article discusses the recent lawsuit filed by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) against Amazon. The FTC alleges that Amazon enrolled consumers into Amazon Prime without their consent and made it difficult for them to cancel their subscriptions. The FTC claims that Amazon used manipulative user-interface designs known as "dark patterns" to trick consumers into signing up for Prime and made the cancellation process complex and confusing. The article argues that while there may be validity to the FTC's complaints, the overall value proposition of Prime seems positive for consumers. It also highlights the trade-offs involved in the removal of friction in e-commerce and questions the FTC's approach to regulating big tech companies.

6/26/2023

Amazon, Friction, and the FTC

The main topic is the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) lawsuit against Amazon for allegedly enrolling consumers into Amazon Prime without their consent and making it difficult to cancel subscriptions. The key points are: 1. The FTC alleges that Amazon used "dark patterns" to trick consumers into enrolling in Prime without their knowledge. 2. The complaint also claims that Amazon made the cancellation process for Prime difficult and confusing. 3. The FTC argues that Amazon's practices have cost consumers significant money and violated consumer protection laws. 4. Some argue that Amazon's dark patterns and complex cancellation process are reasonable and that consumers should be educated about the value of Prime. 5. The lawsuit raises broader questions about the trade-offs between convenience and privacy on the internet and the application of antitrust laws to the digital age.

9/6/2023

Amazon lawsuit from FTC expected as soon as this month — here's what's at stake

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is expected to file a lawsuit against Amazon this month, targeting key elements of its retail marketplace business, which could potentially result in the breakup of the trillion-dollar company.

9/20/2023

FTC Sues Amazon, Alleging Deceptive Prime Signup Tactics

The Federal Trade Commission has updated its complaint against Amazon, adding three senior executives as defendants, alleging that top Amazon executives downplayed employee concerns about customers being enrolled in the Prime subscription program without their consent.

9/22/2023

FTC Reportedly Preparing Antitrust Lawsuit Against Amazon Over Prime and Seller Rules

Main topic: The Federal Trade Commission is preparing to file an antitrust suit against Amazon. Key points: 1. The FTC is targeting Amazon Prime and allegations of pushing third-party sellers to use its services. 2. The FTC also believes that Amazon prevents products from being sold for less on rival platforms. 3. This would be the fourth legal action taken by the FTC against Amazon this year.

10/6/2023

FTC Sues Amazon for Allegedly Abusing Monopoly Power, Resulting in Higher Prices and Worse Shopping

Amazon's alleged anticompetitive practices, including punishing third-party sellers for offering lower prices elsewhere and artificially inflating prices, are at the center of an antitrust lawsuit filed by the FTC, which aims to hold the company accountable and seek appropriate remedies.

Topics

Posted 9/21/2023, 12:46:00 AM

FTC Sues Amazon, Alleging Deceptive Tactics to Sign Up and Retain Prime Subscribers

The FTC named 3 Amazon execs accused of misleading tactics to get people to sign up for Prime subscriptions.
Amazon allegedly made the Prime cancellation process confusing on purpose to retain subscribers.
Amazon staff warned executives that the Prime signup was designed to trick users into recurring bills.
The FTC claims Amazon tried to delay its investigation by improperly claiming privilege over documents.
The FTC lawsuit aims to address "dark pattern" techniques used by Amazon and others to sign up and retain subscribers.

theregister.com

Relevant topic timeline:

6/26/2023

Amazon, Friction, and the FTC

6/26/2023

Amazon, Friction, and the FTC

9/6/2023

Amazon lawsuit from FTC expected as soon as this month — here's what's at stake

9/20/2023

FTC Sues Amazon, Alleging Deceptive Prime Signup Tactics

9/22/2023

FTC Reportedly Preparing Antitrust Lawsuit Against Amazon Over Prime and Seller Rules

10/6/2023

FTC Sues Amazon for Allegedly Abusing Monopoly Power, Resulting in Higher Prices and Worse Shopping