FTC Seeks to Delay Amazon Prime Lawsuit Amid Staffing Challenges

FTC Seeks Delay in Amazon Consumer Protection Trial

Attorneys at the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) requested a delay in the consumer protection trial against Amazon, seeking an additional two months to prepare. The request arises amid staffing losses and potential office relocations impacting the FTC's ability to effectively prepare for the case.

Loss of Staffing at FTC

During a recent status hearing in Washington, FTC attorney Jonathan Cohen highlighted that the agency has experienced employee reductions within its division, specifically impacting the case team involved in the Amazon trial. According to reports from CNBC, Cohen emphasized that these staffing issues could hinder the FTC’s preparation efforts.

Potential Office Move Complicating Preparations

The FTC is reportedly facing a possible office move, which could further complicate matters. The Verge first reported that the agency had recently terminated around a dozen probationary staffers. This comes amidst broader cuts proposed by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which have affected various government agencies, though the FTC has managed to avoid more extensive layoffs.

Recent Developments in the Case

Initiated under the previous Democratic chair Lina Khan in June 2023, the suit alleges that Amazon employed deceptive design patterns—referred to as dark patterns—to mislead customers into subscribing to Amazon Prime and complicating the process of unsubscribing. Both this case and a separate antitrust complaint are under the supervision of new Republican FTC Chair Andrew Ferguson, who has exhibited a more combative stance towards Big Tech.

Response from Amazon's Legal Team

While FTC attorneys argue for the delay, Amazon’s legal representative, John Hueston, has pushed back, claiming that the FTC hasn’t demonstrated sufficient grounds for postponing the trial. Hueston criticized the notion that the office move would significantly disrupt the trial preparation, asserting that both governmental and private entities generally experience minimal disruption during such transitions.

Impact on Trial Schedule

The Amazon Prime trial was initially set to commence on September 22nd. The FTC's request for additional time has raised questions about how the ongoing challenges might affect the trial's progression.

Conclusion

As the situation evolves, the outcome of the FTC's request remains crucial for the timeline of this significant trial, which could set important precedents in consumer protection and antitrust law.

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