It is a real legal standoff which began before the Superior Court of Bavaria. Brought by the Saxony consumer association (Verbraucherzentrale Sachsen), this complaint accuses Amazon of having carried out a unilateral modification and illegal current contracts. In question: the sudden introduction of advertisements on its Prime Video service in February 2024, a platform previously presented as free from commercial cuts in its basic subscription. A decision which triggered an unprecedented wave of discontent.
Why is this legal action so massive?
Anger rumbles. For hundreds of thousands of users, Amazon’s forceful move is unacceptable. They believe they subscribed to a service which guaranteed an ad-free experience, and that the imposed change constitutes a breach of contract. The pill does not pass for German customersAmazon. They had no choice but to endure the advertisements or pay an extra €2.99 per month to regain the initial peace of mind.
The calculation is simple. The plaintiffs’ request is a pure and simple reimbursement additional costs incurred or compensation for degradation of service. According to calculations by the consumer association, the damage would already amount to approximately 80 euros per person. With nearly 220,000 registered participants, and a deadline to join the action set for June 9, 2026, the financial stakes are colossal for the company.
What is Amazon’s line of defense against the accusations?
In court, Amazon’s line of defense seems classic, almost expected. The e-commerce giant cloaks itself in a facade of legality, claiming to have informed its customers “transparently, in advance and in accordance with the law”. A justification that rings hollow for the consumer association. For her, simple information by email is not worth active consent. The company should have proposed an amendment to the contract, which customers were free to refuse, even if their subscription was terminated.
Amazon’s main argument is economic. The firm defends itself by asserting that this evolution of the service Amazon Prime Video is essential to “continue to invest in attractive content”. Clearly, advertising is presented as a necessary evil to finance future productions. A well-rehearsed speech, but which struggles to convince users who already pay a subscription of €8.99 per month.
Is justice already leaning one way?
The court has already expressed a certain caution, highlighting “considerable legal obstacles” for the plaintiffs. The central, and devilishly technical, question is whether the initial contract explicitly and forever promised an ad-free service. This is the crux of the problem. The judges doubt that the general conditions of sale (AGB) ever formally promised a total and eternal absence of advertisement.
This nuance could change everything. If the contract was vague enough, Amazon could get away with it. It’s a bold, but fragile betbecause another court decision, rendered in a parallel trial, had already deemed this practice illegal. This first verdict, although not final, puts additional pressure on Amazon’s shoulders. The final decision in this matter is expected on July 17, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who can still join this collective action?
All customers who had an Amazon Prime subscription in Germany before February 5, 2024 and who kept it active thereafter can register in the complaints register. Whether you paid the extra or endured the ads, you are eligible.
What happens if consumers win the case?
If the court rules in favor of the plaintiffs, Amazon could be forced to pay damages to everyone registered in the class action. This would correspond to the reimbursement of the additional €2.99 monthly paid or to financial compensation for the advertisements viewed.
