FTC Accuses Amazon Prime of Luring Consumers! Not-So-Free Service?

FTC (Federal Trade Commission) is now targeting Amazon, claiming that the e-commerce giant is misleading people to avail of its Prime membership service.

Amazon Prime, a paid subscription service, is widely available across the globe. It offers many benefits, such as free deliveries, Prime video access, Amazon Music unlimited, many more.

Since Amazon Prime offers many advantages to members compared to non-subscribers, consumers across the world are being lured to get the paid subscription service.

But, the Federal Trade Commission has something to say about Amazon Prime.

FTC Accuses Amazon Prime of Luring Consumers!

According to Gizmodo's latest report, FTC claims that the giant e-commerce firm is actually shady when it comes to promoting the Prime subscription service.

Because of this, the retailer is now facing FTC's scrutiny because of its alleged UI/UX "dark patterns." For those who don't know this, UX Design explained that dark pattern is a misleading deception UI/UX decision.

Many companies use this strategy so that they can lure their consumers to avail their products or services. Now, the Federal Trade Commission thinks that Amazon Prime consumers become members when without their so-called "overt knowledge."

For the past few years, Amazon's Prime promotions have been a little too persuasive. Since this is the case, FTC is now focusing on the consumer complaints, as well as UX/UI choices of the giant e-commerce.

Amazon Prime Promotion Techniques

Right now, there are numerous ways that Amazon Prime is being promoted in the market. One of these design UX/UI choices is the "Get FREE Two-Day Delivery with Prime."

If an individual is lured by this promotion, they will have a 30-day free trial. However, they still need to provide their bank accounts.

Now, this is where the issue starts. Once you forgot to remove your subscription, Amazon will automatically charge your bank account if you exceed the 30-day period.

Of course, many people usually forget about their Amazon Prime free trial.

They will only notice the payment once it reflects on their bills.

In other news, FTC recently fined Fashion Nova because of allegations regarding hidden bad online reviews. Meanwhile, FTC questioned the personal data use of some ISPs, including Verizon and Google Fi.

For more news updates about FTC and other related topics, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes.

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Written by: Griffin Davis