Italy fines Amazon over 'recurring' purchase option
The Peninsula
Rome: Italy s competition authority said Wednesday it had fined two Amazon companies 10 million euros ($10.6 million) for unfair commercial practices...
Rome: Italy's competition authority said Wednesday it had fined two Amazon companies 10 million euros ($10.6 million) for unfair commercial practices that push customers into agreeing to "recurring" rather than "one-time" purchases online.
The AGCM said the option to set up regular purchases was "pre-selected by default" on a wide selection of products listed on Amazon's Italian website.
"The graphic layout of the pre-selected recurring purchase option may lead consumers to buy products periodically -- even when there is no actual need -- thereby limiting their ability to choose freely," the AGCM said in a statement.
"Moreover, the conduct implemented by the company was deemed contrary to the standards of professional diligence.
"As a major operator, Amazon is expected to design its online interfaces, particularly those related to purchasing processes, in a manner that allows consumers to make free and informed commercial decisions."
