TECHNOLOGY · VERIFIED DEVELOPMENT
Amazon Updates Terms to Favor Arbitration Over Class-Action Suits
WHY IT MATTERS
This update may impact customers' ability to seek collective redress in disputes with Amazon, potentially limiting their options for seeking justice.
What happened
Amazon has updated its terms and conditions, stating that disputes will now be resolved through arbitration. This move would prevent customers from seeking the involvement of a judge or jury in most circumstances.
However, customers can still take Amazon to small claims court in certain situations, where payouts are limited.
Amazon framed this change as a 'fast and efficient' way to resolve issues.
DEVELOPING STORY
Story timeline
PRIMARY SOURCES
Amazon is trying to crush class-action suits before they get started
The Verge · Terrence O’Brien · Discovery only; Vox Media copyright terms apply