Mon Sep 22 19:30:00 UTC 2025: ## FTC Trial Against Amazon Over Prime Cancellation Practices Begins

**Washington, D.C.** – The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) this week launched its highly anticipated trial against Amazon, accusing the e-commerce giant of illegally trapping consumers in Prime subscriptions. The lawsuit, filed in 2023, alleges that Amazon utilized deceptive “dark patterns” in its user interface to trick millions of customers into signing up for automatically renewing Prime memberships and subsequently made it exceedingly difficult to cancel.

The FTC claims Amazon deliberately created a “labyrinthine” cancellation process, internally dubbed “Iliad Flow” after Homer’s epic, forcing customers to navigate a multi-step, multi-page system filled with distractions and warnings designed to deter them from unsubscribing. This complex process, the FTC argues, stands in stark contrast to the simple, two-click enrollment process for Prime.

Prime, a core offering for Amazon costing $14.99 per month or $139 annually, offers a range of benefits including fast shipping, streaming entertainment, and exclusive deals. While Amazon doesn’t disclose its exact US subscriber count, estimates place the figure around 197 million.

Amazon vehemently denies the allegations. “The bottom line is that neither Amazon nor the individual defendants did anything wrong,” a spokesperson told CNN. “We remain confident that the facts will show these executives acted properly and we always put customers first.”

The trial, expected to last approximately one month, began with jury selection on Monday and opening arguments scheduled for Tuesday. If the jury finds Amazon liable, the judge will determine the amount of damages the company must pay. The FTC did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Since the initial filing, Amazon has made some changes to its cancellation process, now offering a dedicated page with options to end or pause Prime memberships. However, the FTC’s lawsuit aims to hold the company accountable for its past practices. The outcome of the trial could have significant implications for Amazon’s business model and potentially reshape how online subscriptions are managed across the industry.

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