Amazon is set to face trial in Seattle on Monday over allegations that it used deceptive tactics to boost sign-ups for its $139-a-year Prime membership. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) filed the lawsuit in June 2023, claiming the company deployed “dark patterns” — manipulative interface designs to enroll customers without clear consent. According to the FTC, Amazon’s checkout pages prominently highlighted Prime sign-up buttons but buried cancellation and opt-out options in small, inconspicuous links.
The lawsuit also targets Amazon’s complex cancellation system, reportedly dubbed “Iliad” internally for its length and difficulty. Customers allegedly had to navigate a four-page, six-click process with multiple options to cancel. The FTC says these practices violate the Restore Online Shoppers’ Confidence Act (ROSCA), which requires clear disclosures, express consent, and simple cancellation procedures.
Amazon has denied wrongdoing, arguing its practices comply with existing laws and that it has improved its enrollment and cancellation processes. The trial, expected to last four weeks, will examine internal Amazon documents, executive testimony, and expert evidence. If the FTC prevails, Amazon could face hefty penalties and court-ordered changes to its subscription practices, significantly reshaping its Prime service operations.
