"Many streaming customers are unaware that the sitcom titles they prefer, the ads they do not skip, their email addresses and the serial numbers identifying the devices they use are being harvested and distributed."
"Add smart TVs to the growing list of home appliances guilty of surveilling people’s movements. A new study from Princeton University shows internet-connected TVs, which allow people to stream Netflix and Hulu, are loaded with data-hungry trackers."
Amazon doesn’t actually show the real average in their star ratings on products, they use machine learning to calculate the ratings while taking into account certain factors.
me: let me quickly order the #toddler some lotion
@amazon: cool, do this pantry thing for #freeshipping
me: k sure, let's get a bunch
amazon: nah we Red heart #ux
@darkpatterns
so you need to subscribe
Cancelling Amazon Prime is a simple three step shaming process. All you have to do is scream “I don’t want my benefits” in to a mirror, without crying.
Please respect my privacy through this difficult time
EPIC has filed a complaint with the D.C. Attorney General alleging that Amazon unlawfully employs manipulative "dark patterns" in the Amazon Prime subscription cancellation process.
The Norwegian Consumer Council’s study analysed the cancellation process for Amazon Prime. The analysis shows that consumers who want to leave the service are faced with a large number of hurdles, including complicated navigation menus, skewed wording, confusing choices, and repeated nudging. Throughout the process, Amazon manipulates users through wording and graphic design, making the process needlessly difficult and frustrating to understand.
Defaults to subcription instead of one-time purchase
“Unsubscribe here” is grayed out in front of a gray background, making it harder to see.
Amazon makes you click Into "Advanced Controls", move past a bunch of options of which none is $0.00, and then search for a plaintext link just to cancel your subscription.
Amazon requires the user to turn on device notifications in order to use AmazonSmile.
A critical analysis of Amazon's purchasing user journey (spoiler: contains dark patterns!)
Are they purposefully neglecting to create cost control, projection and notification features?
The Federal Trade Commission has reportedly deepened its investigation into Amazon’s employment of dark patterns in the Amazon Prime subscription cancellation process. As EPIC explained in a complaint to the D.C. Attorney General last year, Amazon employs dark patterns to deter customers from canceling their Prime subscriptions.
"Last month we had debit card fraud, where bank sent us new card. [...] Meanwhile, everything Amazon shut down for us. Amazon, Alexa, smart thermometers. Worst of all - the last season of #BetterCallSaul, which I paid for."
The FTC wants Amazon to fork over any disappearing messages that executives used to discuss Prime.The federal agency has been probing Amazon over potentially misleading tactics used to get people to subscribe. Insider reported in March that Amazon execs were worried customers felt tricked into signing up but did nothing.
"For context: following a dialogue with @EU_Commission & national consumer authorities, Amazon agreed to make changes to its Prime cancellation procedure in July 2022"
Complaint PDF here:
https://ftc.gov/system/files/ftc_gov/pdf/amazon-rosca-public-redacted-complaint-to_be_filed.pdf
"Amazon used an internal term called “Iliad” to describe the process, referencing Homer’s epic poem about the Trojan War"
A few weeks ago, the FTC accused Amazon of using misleading design features to prevent consumers from cancelling their Prime subscriptions. Let’s break down some of the “dark patterns” the FTC identified:
I can't believe this dark pattern is still being used by @amazon . If you're quickly clicking it looks like this button provides two options - continuing with Amazon Prime or continuing with normal delivery. If you do click this button by accident, you'll be automatically subscribed to Amazon Prime. There is no easy way to undo the subscription. So gross.
Coglode Cures - Interactive Behavioural Remedies
Amazon’s ongoing pattern of illegal conduct blocks competition, allowing it to wield monopoly power to inflate prices, degrade quality, and stifle innovation
This is such a dark pattern by Amazon. They make it look like getting a refund to your original form of payment is not an option. Even though it is an option below but is not treated the same as other options.
"Arizona Attorney General accuses Amazon of using dark patterns to keep users from canceling their Amazon Prime subscriptions. This is similar to a lawsuit the FTC filed against the company in June."
"A lawsuit seeking class-action status accused Amazon of false advertising and deceptive practices because Prime Video now serves commercials by default."
"Amazon's Choice for "knuckle dusters for self defence". Use AI to generate handy dandy summaries to boost revenue? Yes, let's do it! Use AI to remove harmful or illegal products? No, too difficult!"
"FTC Sues Amazon for Illegally Maintaining Monopoly Power Amazons ongoing pattern of illegal conduct blocks competition, allowing it to wield monopoly power to inflate prices, degrade quality, and stifle innovation"
"Interesting that amazon is showing the kindle edition price (12.99) compared to the print list price (19.99 crossed out). It looks very like a discount, but it's not - the kindle list price is 12.99 and hasn't changed since launched."
Audible, an audiobook and podcast service owned by Amazon, is known for its wide selection of audio content. When it comes to cancelling your subscription, the process follows some of the classic patterns from the 'deceptive patterns' playbook, designed to complicate the process.