A regional court in Munich has ruled that Amazon’s decision to introduce advertising on Prime Video for existing German customers was unlawful. The verdict delivers a setback to the company’s European streaming strategy. It relates to changes introduced in early 2024.
Amazon added limited ads to Prime Video while keeping the base subscription price unchanged. An ad free option was offered for an extra monthly fee. The court examined whether this shift aligned with the original agreement made with subscribers.
Judges concluded that the move violated original contract terms. Prime Video had been marketed as an ad free service. The court held that ad free viewing was a core feature of the subscription offered to customers.
By adding advertising without explicit customer consent, Amazon was found to have made an impermissible unilateral change. An email sent to subscribers was also criticised. The court said it misleadingly suggested users had no real option but to accept ads or pay more.
The ruling followed a case filed by the Federal Association of Consumer Organizations. The group argued that the change amounted to a hidden price increase. The court ordered Amazon to stop issuing similar notices and to correct its communication to users.
Although the decision can still be appealed, it sends a strong message to streaming platforms. It outlines limits on how paid services can be altered after purchase. The ruling reinforces the importance of respecting agreed subscription terms.
The impact goes beyond Prime Video in Germany. The judgment strengthens consumer protection across digital subscriptions. It warns platforms against quietly downgrading existing plans to push users toward higher priced tiers.
The case also adds to wider legal pressure on Amazon. Collective actions seeking refunds over ad interruptions are ongoing. More broadly, the ruling may influence how streaming services design future changes as ad based models continue to grow.
