Lawsuit filed against Amazon Prime Video for ads in standard plan

Amazon Prime Video recently faced backlash after inserting ads into its standard subscription. This move caused quite a stir among viewers, leading to a class-action lawsuit in Germany. In early 2024, Prime Video shifted its standard plan in several countries, including the US, UK, Germany, and Canada, by introducing ad breaks. To remove these ads, subscribers can opt for an ad-free option for an additional 3 Euros or 3 dollars per month.

Unlike streaming services like Disney+, HBO Max, and Netflix, which have introduced ads through a cheaper, ad-supported plan, Amazon Prime Video’s approach left many customers dissatisfied. The change prompted strong objections, especially from viewers in Germany. In December 2025, a court in Munich ruled against Amazon, citing that the extra ads could not be implemented without the explicit consent of consumers. Amazon has indicated that they plan to appeal this decision.

Ramona Pop, a member of Verbraucherzentrale Bundesverband, Germany’s consumer association, emphasized the significance of the ruling. She stated, “This is a very important ruling. It shows that the additional ads on Amazon Prime Video could not be introduced without the consent of affected consumers. According to the consumer center, members still have the right to the ad-free option at no extra cost.”

As a result of the dissatisfaction among subscribers, a class-action lawsuit is gathering steam, with over 200,000 German consumers expressing their discontent. It remains to be seen how this legal battle will play out and what implications it may have for the future of streaming services.