Amazon is facing a major legal battle as the FTC vs Amazon 2025 trial begins in Seattle. The Amazon FTC lawsuit accuses the company of using “dark patterns” — confusing online designs — to trick millions of customers into joining its popular Prime program and making it difficult for them to cancel. Regulators argue that Prime members shop more often and spend more, making the service a powerful money-maker for Amazon. According to the FTC, Amazon used deceptive tactics, such as buttons that appeared to complete purchases but actually enrolled customers in Prime. This Amazon Prime membership controversy is part of a broader FTC crackdown on deceptive subscription practices.