Judge dismisses Prime Video ads lawsuit

A recent class action lawsuit against Amazon’s Prime Video streaming platform has been permanently dismissed by a judge. The lawsuit, filed in February 2024, claimed that the addition of ads to the service amounted to an illegal price increase. However, US District Judge Barbara J. Rothstein ruled that the inclusion of commercials did not change the subscription price but rather modified the existing package. Amazon’s terms and conditions allow for changes to the Prime package over time.

The judge emphasized that Amazon’s move to introduce advertisements was not a price hike but rather a modification to the service, as outlined in the agreements between the parties. This decision finalizes the case, preventing plaintiffs from retrying it in the future.

For Prime Video users, this means that ads are here to stay, with the possibility of even more in the near future. According to a report from Adweek in June, Amazon is planning to double its advertising efforts on the platform. However, subscribers have the option to pay an additional $3 per month to enjoy an ad-free experience.

Overall, the ruling reinforces the terms and conditions of the Prime Video service and provides clarity on future modifications to the platform’s offerings.