Italy fines Amazon 10 million euros for alleged unfair trade practices

Italy's antitrust authority has fined two Amazon subsidiaries 10 million euros ($10.7 million) for alleged unfair business practices, the regulator said Wednesday.

According to the watchdog, Amazon has “significantly restricted consumers' freedom of choice” by automatically presetting the 'Subscribe and Save' option, for regularly scheduled deliveries rather than one-off purchases, for a wide selection of products.

“Pre-marking a recurring purchase induces one to periodically purchase a product – even without the effective need – thus limiting freedom of choice,” the antitrust authority said in a statement.

Amazon was not immediately available for comment.