Consumer advocates report 200,000 sign-ups for class action lawsuit against Prime Video

Over 200,000 individuals have currently enrolled in a class action lawsuit against the addition of advertisements on Prime Video, according to consumer advocates. The action is being led by the Saxony Consumer Advice Centre and has garnered significant support. In addition to the ongoing lawsuit, other legal proceedings are in progress.

The Consumer Advice Centre disclosed that a staggering 201,090 individuals have signed up for the class action lawsuit, marking a new record. This surge in participation is unprecedented since the implementation of the Consumer Rights Enforcement Act in October 2023. Registration is still open to those interested in joining the lawsuit.

The primary objective of this announcement is to raise awareness and, potentially, exert pressure on the legal system. The consumer advocates are eagerly awaiting a court date at the Bavarian Higher Regional Court to proceed with the lawsuit against Amazon regarding Prime Video’s advertising practices.

The legal battle was ignited in February 2024 when the Consumer Advice Centre challenged Amazon’s decision to introduce commercials on Prime Video, labeling it as a covert price hike. Following the introduction of mandatory ad breaks in films and series, customers who wish to bypass the commercials are required to pay an additional 3 euros per month. The consumer advocates deem this action as unlawful since Amazon did not seek permission from its customers and merely informed them of the impending change.

Michael Hummel of the Saxony Consumer Advice Centre highlighted the one-sided modification in the contractual agreement as a critical concern. He emphasized that Amazon neglected to seek consent from its customers, which is a customary practice among other major streaming service providers. The unilateral alteration was denounced as reminiscent of a feudal lord’s decree by Hummel.

Simultaneously, additional consumer protection litigations against Amazon are in progress. The Saxony Consumer Advice Centre initiated another lawsuit objecting to Prime Video ads and filed a disgorgement action in late 2025 seeking 1.8 billion euros from Amazon to recoup advertising profits. The remaining funds following reimbursements to class action members would be allocated to the Federal Republic of Germany.

Moreover, the North Rhine-Westphalia Consumer Advice Centre filed a class action lawsuit against Amazon decrying the unapproved price hikes for Prime subscription services in 2022. The online retailer had increased subscription fees without obtaining explicit consent from users, prompting criticism from consumer advocates.

In conclusion, the legal battle between consumer advocates and Amazon continues to unfold, with various lawsuits challenging the digital giant’s advertising practices and subscription fee hikes. The pursuit of justice and consumer protection remains at the forefront of these legal proceedings as the case against Amazon progresses in the judicial system.