A Jury Will Decide if Amazon Illegally Tricked People Into Paying for Prime
A jury will decide if Amazon illegally tricked people into paying for Prime, marking one of the most high-profile battles between the tech giant and the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The month-long trial begins this week in Seattle and could reshape how Amazon markets and manages its popular subscription service.
Why the Amazon Prime Trial Matters
The case centers on allegations that Amazon used deceptive tactics—known as “dark patterns”—to push customers into signing up for Prime, often without clear consent. According to the FTC, Amazon then made the cancellation process intentionally confusing and slow, keeping users locked into recurring payments.
If proven, the lawsuit claims Amazon violated Section 5 of the FTC Act and the Restore Online Shoppers’ Confidence Act (ROSCA), both of which require clear disclosures and easy cancellation options.
The Stakes for Amazon
The trial is significant not only because of its scale but also because Amazon executives could be held personally liable if the FTC’s claims stand. This would mark one of the most aggressive regulatory challenges the company has faced in recent years.
Last week, Judge John Chun already handed the FTC an early win, ruling against some of Amazon’s attempts to narrow the case. That sets the stage for a contentious trial with potentially huge implications for subscription-based business models.
Bigger Picture: Tech Giants Under Fire
This case is just one of several government challenges targeting Big Tech in 2025. While the Amazon Prime trial is happening now, the FTC has also filed a separate lawsuit against Amazon for alleged anticompetitive practices, scheduled for 2027.
Amazon isn’t alone. Other tech giants like Google and Microsoft are also under scrutiny in antitrust and consumer protection cases. But the Prime trial stands out because it strikes at the heart of how Amazon generates billions in recurring revenue.
What Happens Next?
Jury selection begins Monday, with opening arguments to follow. The trial is expected to last about a month, with both sides presenting evidence on whether Amazon intentionally designed its systems to mislead and trap customers.
If the jury finds Amazon guilty, it could force sweeping changes to Prime sign-ups and cancellations, setting a precedent for how subscription services must operate in the U.S.
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