Over 200,000 Consumers Join Collective Action Against Amazon Prime Video Advertising
More than 200,000 individuals have now joined a collective lawsuit challenging the recent introduction of advertising on Amazon's Prime Video streaming service in Germany. The legal action, initiated by the Consumer Association of Saxony, contends that Amazon's move constitutes a covert price increase for customers without their explicit consent.
According to the Consumer Association of Saxony, the number of participants in the collective lawsuit has risen to over 201,000, marking a record since the implementation of the Consumer Rights Enforcement Act in October 2023. This legislation allows consumers to join mass legal actions, and the current case against Amazon represents the largest mobilization to date. Enrollment for the lawsuit remains open to additional participants.
The lawsuit centers on Amazon's policy change in early 2024, which saw advertisements integrated into films and series on Prime Video by default. Customers who wish to stream content without advertising interruptions are now required to pay an extra monthly fee of 3 euros. The Consumer Association argues this adjustment alters the original contract terms unilaterally, as customers were not given the option to consent or decline the new advertising model prior to its implementation.
Consumer advocates maintain that modifications to existing subscription agreements should be subject to customer approval, reflecting the practices established by other major streaming platforms. The current dispute highlights concerns over fair communication and the protection of consumer rights in subscription-based digital services.
Legal proceedings are ongoing, with the Consumer Association of Saxony awaiting a hearing date from the Bavarian Higher Regional Court. The association has publicized the current participant count in an effort to raise awareness about the issue and potentially encourage timely action from the judiciary.
Alongside the collective lawsuit, the Consumer Association of Saxony has initiated an additional legal process against Amazon. In late 2025, the association filed a funded disgorgement claim, seeking 1.8 billion euros. This claim aims to recover advertising profits retained by Amazon after any reimbursements to claimants, with any remaining funds designated to be transferred to the German federal government.
Furthermore, the Consumer Association of North Rhine-Westphalia has also launched a separate collective action, challenging a price increase implemented for Amazon Prime subscriptions in 2022. Consumer advocates argue that these adjustments were made without first obtaining explicit approval from customers, further intensifying scrutiny on Amazon's business practices regarding subscription changes.
The ongoing legal actions underscore increasing consumer vigilance and regulatory oversight in the streaming sector. As digital platforms continue to evolve their service models, transparency in communication and respect for consumer consent remain key issues for both regulators and subscribers. The outcome of these proceedings could influence future industry standards and consumer protection policies within the European streaming market.