Amazon faces US trial over alleged Prime subscription tricks

Core Viewpoint - The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has filed a lawsuit against Amazon, alleging that the company used deceptive practices, known as "dark patterns," to enroll customers in its Prime subscription service without clear consent and made cancellation difficult [3][4][6]. Group 1: Allegations Against Amazon - The FTC's complaint claims that Amazon knowingly used confusing checkout processes to enroll customers in the $139-per-year Prime service without clear consent [4][6]. - Amazon's cancellation process is described as "labyrinthine," requiring customers to navigate a complex four-page, six-click, fifteen-option procedure to cancel their membership [8]. - The lawsuit alleges that crucial information about Prime's pricing and automatic renewal was often hidden or disclosed in fine print, misleading consumers [7][9]. Group 2: Legal Context and Implications - The case is based on the Restore Online Shoppers' Confidence Act (ROSCA), which prohibits charging consumers for internet services without clear disclosure and consent [9]. - If the FTC wins the case, Amazon could face significant financial penalties and be required to change its subscription practices under court supervision [11]. - The trial is set to last about four weeks and will rely on internal communications and documents from Amazon, as well as testimonies from executives and expert witnesses [10].