Amazon Prime Faces Legal Action Over Unapproved Advertising Charges

Amazon Prime subscribers in Germany are at the center of a legal dispute following the introduction of advertisements on the streaming service, despite previous assurances of ad-free viewing. The controversy stems from a change implemented in February 2024, when Amazon began displaying ads to Prime Video users unless they paid an additional monthly fee of EUR2.99. This decision has now led to significant legal scrutiny and the possibility of compensation for affected customers.

The Munich Regional Court recently determined that Amazon's unilateral amendment of its contract terms, which required customers to accept advertisements or pay extra to avoid them, was not permissible without obtaining explicit consent from users. The court found that neither the service's terms and conditions nor current legislation support such one-sided changes to customer agreements. The court also concluded that the announcement sent via email to customers was misleading, as it failed to adequately inform subscribers about the nature and implications of the alteration.

In response to this situation, the Saxony Consumer Protection Association launched a collective legal action against Amazon in spring 2024. This class-action lawsuit is open to all Prime customers affected by the new advertising model. Eligible participants may seek compensation estimated at approximately EUR66, which corresponds to the EUR2.99 charge multiplied by the 22 months since the change was enacted in February 2024. Participation in the class-action suit is free of charge, requiring only registration in the official claims register maintained by the Federal Office of Justice. The Saxony Consumer Protection Association provides detailed assistance, including guidance and frequently asked questions about the registration process, on its website.

It is important to note that this legal action is distinct from another pending lawsuit initiated by the North Rhine-Westphalia Consumer Protection Association. That separate case, filed with the Higher Regional Court in Hamm in December 2025, challenges a previous increase in Prime subscription fees that occurred in autumn 2022. Customers interested in both matters must register for each lawsuit individually. Updates and notifications regarding the progress of the lawsuits can be obtained by subscribing to newsletters provided by the relevant consumer protection organizations.

The verdict from the Munich Regional Court is not yet final and may be subject to appeal or further proceedings. The Federal Association of Consumer Organisations, which acted as the plaintiff in the advertising-related case, aims not only to secure compensation for affected customers but also to prevent Amazon from implementing similar contract modifications without proper consent in the future. The organization emphasizes the need for transparent communication and respect for consumers' contractual rights.

Amazon has not yet issued a public response regarding the court ruling or the ongoing class-action lawsuits. The case continues to draw attention to broader issues of consumer rights, transparency in digital service contracts, and the responsibilities of major technology providers in adhering to legal standards. Interested parties are encouraged to monitor updates from consumer protection agencies for further developments on the matter.