Amazon faces a civil trial this week in Seattle over allegations from the Federal Trade Commission, according to The Wall Street Journal. The FTC alleges Amazon misled nearly 40 million customers into Prime and used a maze-like cancellation process requiring multiple webpages and options. Prime, with over 200 million members, generates major revenue for the company, as members shop more and spend double the amount of non-members. Amazon denies wrongdoing, saying it has always provided clear terms and easy cancellation. The FTC’s lawsuit is part of its broader effort to combat dark patterns, digital tactics used to manipulate consumers for corporate gain. Law professor Prentiss Cox said Amazon’s size makes the case pivotal, as a ruling against it could drive major legislative and regulatory change.
