Sat Feb 22 18:20:00 UTC 2025: ## Amazon to Eliminate Ebook Downloading Feature
**NEW YORK, NY—February 20, 2025**— Starting February 26th, Amazon will remove the ability for users to download ebooks they have purchased, effectively locking their digital libraries within the Amazon ecosystem. This change eliminates the option to back up books, convert them to different formats, or transfer them to non-Amazon devices.
The decision has sparked outrage among readers and critics who argue that consumers should have full control over digital purchases. While Amazon’s download process has always been cumbersome, the complete removal of the feature is seen as a significant overreach. Concerns are amplified by Amazon’s past actions, including the deletion of books and the replacement of titles without user notification. The company’s refusal to sell certain ebooks and audiobooks to libraries further fuels criticism of its monopolistic practices.
This move highlights the growing concern over digital ownership and the increasingly restrictive nature of digital content distribution. While the convenience of cloud-based libraries is undeniable, critics argue it creates a dangerous precedent of digital rental agreements rather than true ownership. Alternatives like Bookshop.org and Libro.fm are presented as viable options that offer DRM-free ebooks and support independent bookstores.
Users are urged to back up their Amazon ebook libraries before February 26th. A script to automate the download process is available online.
The author’s opinion piece also recommends books that offer insightful critiques of Amazon’s business practices and the broader issues of tech monopolies.
First Piper 