Amazon won in court. Ads in the prime video remain

The court in Seattle dismissed a collective claim filed by the Amazon Prime Video users who questioned the platform’s right to introduce advertising. Subscribers claimed that the introduction of mandatory ads and subsidies for their disabling were inconsistent with the terms of the contract, for which they paid $ 139 a year. They argued that the change was a hidden increase, unforeseen when the subscription was purchased.

“Modification of benefits”

According to Broadbandtvnews.com, judge Barbara Jacobs Rothstein stated that Amazon Prime Video actions were in line with the regulations accepted by users. She decided that the introduction of ads was only a “modification of benefits” as part of the service, which was permissible on the basis of applicable terms of the contract.

Amazon Prime Video began broadcasting advertising in the United States in January 2024. Viewers can continue to use the content without advertising, but this requires a subsidy of $ 2.99 per month. In the following months, similar rules were introduced in Canada, Great Britain, Germany, Austria and France. Amazon also announced that in 2025 it will increase the number of ads, although they are still to be less burdensome than on traditional television.

Amazon without advertising

In Poland, the platform still operates without advertising. Annual subscription costs PLN 49 and a monthly PLN 10.99. On the Polish market, an additional payment for removal of ads does not apply, because Amazon has not yet decided to introduce them. Like Netflix or Disney+, who also do not offer packets with ads in Poland. Unlike them, HBO Max, Skyshowtime and Player have already introduced such subscription options.

The judgment of the court in Seattle ends the case of Prime Video users who demanded compensation for changes in the service model. According to the judge’s decision, Amazon acted as part of his rights arising from the subscription conditions.