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Jury Trial Over FTC’s Amazon Prime ‘Dark Patterns’ Allegations Begins in Seattle

A judge has already ruled that Amazon violated a federal online sales law by taking payment details prior to disclosing Prime’s key terms.

Overview

  • Jury selection starts Monday with opening statements to follow in a trial expected to last about four weeks.
  • The FTC alleges Amazon used deceptive designs to steer shoppers into Prime during checkout and built a complex cancellation flow nicknamed "Iliad."
  • Judge John Chun last week found a ROSCA violation on summary judgment and said two Amazon executives could be held personally liable if the FTC proves its case.
  • Amazon denies wrongdoing, says its processes are clear and simple, and notes it has made changes to enrollment and cancellation.
  • The FTC seeks penalties, monetary relief, and permanent injunctions that could force broad changes to subscription practices.