‘Iliad’ Revealed: Internal Codename at Heart of FTC’s Case Against Amazon

An internal Amazon codename, “Iliad,” has been thrust into the public spotlight as the centerpiece of a major federal lawsuit now at trial. The U.S. government argues this nickname for the Prime cancellation process is a smoking gun, proving the company knowingly subjected its customers to an epic ordeal to keep them subscribed.
The Federal Trade Commission’s case, which began this week, presents the “Iliad” flow as a calculated business strategy. The system allegedly required users to navigate a “labyrinth” of pages and confusing options, a stark contrast to the simple process of signing up. The FTC contends this was an illegal and unfair trade practice.
The difficult exit was allegedly paired with a deceptive entrance. The lawsuit also accuses Amazon of using “dark patterns” at checkout to trick customers into enrolling in the $139-a-year service. These designs allegedly preyed on common user behaviors to maximize sign-ups, regardless of consumer intent.
This trial represents a significant escalation in the government’s efforts to regulate Big Tech, moving beyond antitrust to the very ethics of digital design. The FTC is seeking massive fines, monetary relief for affected consumers, and a permanent injunction to prevent Amazon from using such tactics in the future.
Amazon has defended its practices, arguing that the “Iliad” name is being taken out of context and that its processes have always been lawful. The company asserts that it has continuously worked to improve the user experience, making the FTC’s claims a moot point. The trial will feature testimony from Amazon executives and a review of internal documents.