Amazon's Prime Sign-Up Practices Violate Consumer Law, Judge Rules
A federal judge has determined that Amazon's tactics for enrolling users in its Prime subscription service violate the Restore Online Shoppers' Confidence Act (ROSCA), following a lawsuit by the Federal Trade Commission.
In a significant legal development, a federal judge has ruled that Amazon violated the Restore Online Shoppers’ Confidence Act (ROSCA) through its Prime subscription sign-up process. The decision, issued in September 2025, finds Amazon's design techniques deceitful, enrolling users unwittingly into its popular service.
This ruling precedes what is set to be a noteworthy trial initiated by the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which filed a lawsuit against the retail giant in 2023. The FTC's case asserts that Amazon employed misleading interfaces that misled consumers into accepting costly subscriptions.
Amazon Prime, one of the company's flagship offerings, provides a package of benefits including expedited shipping, video streaming, and exclusive discounts. However, the concern raised by this case centers on how users have been drawn into subscribing to Prime — often without clear and explicit consent — in potential violation of federal laws protecting online shoppers.
The judge’s decision sends a clear warning about the importance of transparency and consent in digital subscriptions. It also highlights the ongoing challenges companies face as they balance growth strategies with compliance to consumer protection laws. This legal issue further emphasizes the crucial role of the FTC in regulating industry giants in the rapidly evolving digital economy.
As the proceedings continue leading up to the trial, Amazon is under scrutiny not only in the United States but also in Europe and other markets where subscription-based models are popular. The ruling serves as a reminder of the need for clearer regulations and ethical business practices across international digital markets.
This judgement and the subsequent trial could redefine how subscription services are marketed globally, setting precedents for other tech giants employing similar business tactics.
For more information, visit dataconomy.com.
Related Posts
Record Amazon Fires' Carbon Emissions Surpass Germany's Annual Output
The Amazon rainforest has experienced its worst fire season in over twenty years, leading to the release of approximately 791 million tons of carbon dioxide, comparable to Germany's yearly emissions. Notably, this year marks the first instance where fire-induced degradation has surpassed deforestation as the primary source of carbon emissions. Utilizing the latest satellite technology and detailed simulations, scientists have revealed extensive damage across the Amazon, particularly in Brazil and Bolivia, highlighting the ecosystem's growing vulnerability.
Prime Day 2025: Top Deals on Tech Gadgets and Accessories
As part of the anticipated Prime Day 2025 event, a variety of deals on technological gadgets and essential accessories are up for grabs. Consumers can find significant discounts on keyboards, laptops, and more as they navigate the extensive offerings of this year's sales extravaganza.
Jeff Bezos Envisions Millions Living in Space within Decades
Jeff Bezos, the esteemed founder of Amazon, has made a bold prediction that millions of individuals could find themselves living in space in the coming decades. His remarks came during a rare public appearance at the Italian Tech Week in Turin, where he engaged in conversation with John Elkann, a notable figure in Italy's Agnelli family.