Amazon is changing its Wish List policy on March 25th to allow gift buyers to purchase items from third-party sellers directly, sharing the recipient’s shipping address with both the seller and delivery partners. Previously, users could restrict purchases to only Amazon-fulfilled items, but this option will be removed.
The change means that when gifts are bought from public or shared lists, the recipient’s address will be visible during delivery updates and tracking information. Amazon clarifies that this isn’t entirely new; addresses were already potentially shared under certain conditions. However, the key difference is that users will no longer have the ability to prevent third-party sellers from accessing their shipping details.
Why This Matters
This shift has raised privacy concerns among content creators and others who rely on Wish Lists to receive gifts from fans. Creators who use the lists—including those in streaming, adult entertainment, or other fields—now face increased risk of having their addresses exposed. The change could facilitate doxxing or unwanted contact if gift buyers choose to share or misuse the information.
How to Protect Your Privacy
Amazon recommends several precautions:
- Use a P.O. Box or non-residential address: This adds a layer of separation between your personal location and the Wish List.
- Adjust list privacy: Set lists to “Private” or “Shared” (specifying who can view them) to limit access.
- Remove your shipping address: Selecting “None” forces gift buyers to contact you directly for delivery details.
Alternative Platforms
Some creators are already migrating to alternative platforms like Throne, which explicitly advertises privacy by keeping all creator and fan information private between parties. The move signals a growing distrust of Amazon’s handling of personal data in the context of gift-giving.
The shift highlights the tension between convenience and privacy in online transactions. While Amazon streamlines the gifting process, it does so at the cost of increased exposure for users who rely on Wish Lists for income or fan interaction.
