Key facts
- Amazon has reinstated binding arbitration for U.S. customers.
- Amazon has barred U.S. customers from pursuing class-action lawsuits.
- The changes are effective immediately.
- Customers agree to the new terms by continuing to use Amazon's services.
- The policy makes it more difficult for users to resolve grievances in court.
Amazon has reinstated a policy requiring U.S. customers to use binding arbitration and prohibiting them from joining class-action lawsuits. This move makes it significantly more difficult for consumers to seek legal recourse for grievances against the company. The updated terms are effective immediately. Customers are deemed to have accepted these new conditions simply by continuing to use Amazon's services. This policy shift aims to streamline dispute resolution by moving cases out of public courts and into private arbitration, which is typically faster and less public. The company's decision impacts how millions of consumers can address issues ranging from product defects to service failures.