Consumer advocates are following up: In addition to the ongoing class action lawsuit, Verbraucherzentrale Sachsen is now suing Amazon for a whopping 1.8 billion euros. The reason? The annoying advertising in Prime Video, which has suddenly interrupted your films and series since February 2024.
What's the problem?
I'm sure you remember: Since 5 February 2024, you've had to torment yourself through commercials on Prime Video, right in the middle of your favorite series and movies. If you don't want to, you pay 2.99 euros extra per month. Amazon has informed you about the change, but your permission?
Misrepresentation. Consumer advocates clearly say: This is illegal.
Two complaints at the same time
The consumer centre is now running on two tracks:
The class action lawsuit of 2024 is already running with more than 123,000 participants (as of: December 2024). However, for an estimated 17 million affected Prime customers in Germany, this is still only a fraction.
The new action for a levy on profits (By the way, the first of its kind under new law in Germany) is now to claim all unlawful profits from Amazon. The sum over three years: At least 1.8 billion euros.
What jumps out for you?
If the lawsuit is successful (and the experts are confident) you can expect a proper compensation:
- At least 2.99 euros per month, That's how much Amazon is asking for ad-free streaming.
- Possibly even half of the subscription fees (4.50 euros per month or 44.95 euros per year) if you have not completed the additional advertising subscription
If Amazon loses, it's like this: First, the class-action plaintiffs are compensated. What remains then goes to the German state. Michael Hummel of the Verbraucherzentrale Sachsen emphasises: “The more people join the class action, the more Amazon will have to pay back directly to customers.”
Can you still join in?
Definitely! You can join the class action at any time, If you have a prime contract before 5 February 2024 have completed. This also applies if you have cancelled the subscription in the meantime or have completed the advertising additional subscription.
Here's how you sign up:
- Go to the Online form class action | Federal Office of Justice |
- Under ‘VI. The subject-matter and the reason for the claim made’ means, mutatis mutandis:
“I have been an Amazon Prime subscriber since [month/year or “longer”]. For registration I use the e-mail address [eure@email.de]. I have [not] accepted Amazon's offer to be able to watch Amazon Prime series and films without advertisements beyond 5 February 2024 against payment of 2.99 euros per month. I am of the opinion that the amendment of the terms and conditions was unlawful and I call for the reimbursement of unduly collected contributions and the surrender of any unjust enrichment.’
The Saxony consumer centre Helps you to fill in correctly.
How long do you have?
You can register up to three weeks after the oral hearing, and this is expected to take place in about a year. So: No haste, but postponed is not lifted!
Are there risks?
Theoretically yes, practically no. If the lawsuit were dismissed, you as a participant would be bound by the verdict. However, Stiftung Warentest’s experts consider it ‘practically impossible’ for participants to lose rights. And if you think about it differently: Cancellation is possible up to three weeks after the oral hearing.
Professionals at work
The Consumer Centre has been well positioned for the long struggle: The international law firm Hausfeld takes over the litigation, Burford Capital finances the lawsuit. “As a result, we are on an equal footing with Amazon and prepared for years of litigation in the courts, both professionally and financially,” emphasises Michael Hummel. “Anyone who violates consumer rights to this extent must count on us.”
How long does it take?
Honestly, It's hard to predict. The Bavarian Supreme Court is responsible, and after a judgment can still be appealed on a point of law to the Federal Court of Justice. Consumer advocates expect several years. But the successes to date against Netflix, Spotify and Amazon in similar cases are optimistic.
Why does Amazon pay so much for advertising?
Amazon knows a lot about you as a customer, what you buy, what you are interested in. The advertising that is shown to you is therefore highly targeted. And such personalized advertisements can probably pay Amazon very well. How much exactly, the company does not reveal. But the 1.8 billion euro estimate speaks volumes.
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