Admitted: Mass lawsuit lodged - Does Amazon Prime Video face compensation for promotional activities? Participating in a legal claim.
## What does Amazon Prime's Criticism Entail?
In early February, Amazon Prime started displaying ads within their regular video content without prior notice. Now, viewers have to sit through two to three and a half minutes of advertisements every hour, sometimes even in the middle of a movie. This is extremely disruptive to the movie-watching experience. In addition, the Quality Control Center (VZ) complains about a decrease in picture and sound quality and the inability to use the "Watch Party" feature. To enjoy streaming videos in their original quality, Prime subscribers have to pay an additional 2.99 euros per month.
"Such changes within an existing contract can only be made with the consent of the consumers," explains Michael Hummel from the Consumer Center of Saxony. "Other streaming services ask their customers for approval before making these changes."
Who Can Join the Lawsuit Against Amazon Prime?
All Amazon Prime customers who were Prime subscribers before the new rules were introduced on February 5th can become part of the lawsuit.
What Action Should Affected Individuals Take?
To join the class action lawsuit, you need to sign up in the claims register at the Federal Office of Justice (BfJ). Here's how:
I. Registration: Tick the "Consumer" checkbox.
II. Personal Information: Fill out your first name and last name. It must be the person who paid for the subscription, not for the co-viewers.
III. Address: Input your address.
IV. Representation: Leave this section blank. This field is only for special cases, such as parents filing a claim for minor children.
V. Details of the Association Lawsuit: This is already pre-filled.
VI. Subject and Reason for the ... claim: Describe how you've been impacted - for instance, you can no longer watch ad-free. Mention the additional 2.99 euros you've paid per month (and from when) if applicable. Make it clear that you paid before February 5th and want your money back. You're not required to follow any specific format; just ensure your intentions are clear.
VII. Details of the Claim Amount: Leave this section blank. The court will decide.
Is There Any Risk?
There's a possibility that the lawsuit might not succeed. However, the Consumer Center believes they have a strong case.
When Can I Join the Lawsuit?
The deadline for joining the lawsuit is at the end of May.
What Has Amazon's Response Been?
Amazon has not commented on the lawsuit yet.
Are There Any Other Class Actions?
None specific to Amazon Prime are known at this time.
To fill out the form, the BfJ provides an online form.
What Potential Outcomes Could Arise from the Lawsuit?
The class action lawsuit will be heard at the Bavarian Higher Regional Court. If successful, either Amazon will reimburse the 2.99 euros per month if it has been paid, or consumers will receive compensation as the quality of the old subscriptions has been lowered. The Consumer Center seeks at least half of the lawyer's fees from Amazon. Furthermore, interest on the money will be due.
Is There a Risk?
A possible risk of joining the lawsuit is the cancellation of your subscription by Amazon. However, you won't incur any financial risk - just the time spent completing the forms.
When Can I Join the Lawsuit?
You can join the lawsuit up to three weeks after the court's decision is announced. (This date hasn't been scheduled as yet.)
What Has Amazon's Stance Been?
Amazon justifies the contract changes by stating they want "to keep offering attractive content for Prime members." They argue that they provided transparency, warned customers in advance, and adhered to legal regulations. "And all customers have the right to terminate their membership at any time."
Read also:
- Despite Amazon's justification for the contract changes, Michael Hummel from the Consumer Advice Center Saxony criticizes Amazon for not seeking consumer approval before introducing the new advertisement policy on Prime Video.
- The Consumer Advice Center Saxony is encouraging all Amazon Prime customers who were subscribers before February 5th, when the new rules were introduced, to join the class action lawsuit against Amazon Prime Video for the performance degradation of their service and the introduction of promotional activities without consumer consent.
- The Federal Office of Justice (BfJ) is managing the class action lawsuit against Amazon Prime, and participating Prime customers can register online by filling out a form with their personal information, describing the impact on their subscription, and waiting for the court's decision before potentially joining the lawsuit post-decision.
