Amazon.com Modifies Purchase Circles Feature

Posted on August 27, 1999

Amazon.com has announced that it is modifying its new Purchase Circles feature. For individual customers, Amazon.com will now allow their anonymous book, video and CD selections to be excluded from the Purchase Circles to which they belong. In addition, Amazon.com will remove a company-specific Purchase Circle at the company's request. Both changes will be implemented as soon as possible. Amazon.com commented that it does not create Purchase Circles with fewer than 200 customers as a way to ensure individual confidentiality.

"Privacy is of utmost importance to our customers and to us," said Warren Adams, director, product development. "While the vast majority of feedback from our customers indicates that Purchase Circles have been well received and are extremely valuable in making informed purchase decisions, some customers have expressed concerns, so we're letting people decide individually."