VZBV is suing Amazon Prime Video: advertising or higher costs?

VZBV is suing Amazon Prime Video: advertising or higher costs?

The Federal Association of Consumer Organizations (VZBV) has announced that it will take legal action against the Amazon streaming service Prime Video because it offers customers the choice between watching advertising while streaming or paid, ad-free streaming for a higher monthly amount. The consumer advocates presented this in Berlin and responded to Amazon's announcement that it would offer films and series with advertising to a limited extent from February 5th.

Consumer advocates believe that this change is not sufficient to be effective. They argue that Amazon must obtain consent from its users as this is a material contractual change. The VZBV has therefore initially sent a warning to Amazon Digital Germany GmbH and is now planning to take legal action against the provider's unilateral action.

The head of the association, Ramona Pop, emphasized that Amazon should not simply present its Prime Video customers with a fait accompli and called this a disregard for consumer law. Users should have to agree, especially for significant contract changes. The VZBV has determined that, in the association's opinion, Prime Video users are still entitled to the ad-free option at the previously agreed price.

Amazon has denied the allegations and emphasized that all legal obligations have been met. According to Amazon spokesman Michael Ostermeier, Prime Video customers were informed of the changes via email, including the price of the ad-free option, in accordance with legal requirements. Customers have the option to continue using the ad-free version, switch to the ad-free version, or cancel their membership at any time.