⚖️ Amazon Illegally Introduced Ads on Prime Video
A German court has ruled in favor of consumers, finding that Amazon had no right to add advertising to films and series without the explicit consent of existing customers.
The lawsuit was brought by the Federation of German Consumer Organisations (vzbv).
In early 2024, Amazon informed users that advertising would now be included in the basic subscription, and that an additional €2.99 per month would be required for an ad-free viewing experience. The company stated that customers “did not need to take any action” and that the subscription price would remain unchanged.
The Munich Regional Court ruled these actions unlawful. Prime Video content was originally provided without advertising, and Amazon had no legal basis to unilaterally change the terms of the contract. The court also found the company’s communication with customers to be misleading.
The ruling clears the way for a class-action lawsuit seeking compensation for viewers. Amazon disagrees with the verdict and plans to appeal. However, the company is required to revise the information provided to users.
