Amazon began placing advertisements in Prime Video — including on paid subscriptions that were once ad‑free — starting in early 2024, with ads rolling out to paid subscribers in multiple regions. To avoid ads, users are offered a paid add‑on tier (e.g., extra €2.99/month in europe orRs 699/year in India).

This change angered many subscribers because Prime had historically been ad‑free, and adding ads without consent felt like a contract change without permission.

Legal Challenge in Germany

In December 2025, a Munich Regional Court ruled against amazon in a case brought by the German Federation of Consumer Organisations (VZBV). The court found that:

· amazon cannot force ads on paying Prime Video customers without their clear consent.

· Amazon’s email saying ads would start unless customers paid extra was misleading and went beyond what the original contract allowed.

· The court said amazon must inform customers in writing about their right to an ad‑free experience and cannot unilaterally change contracts to include ads.

Amazon said it respects the ruling but disagrees with the reasoning and is considering an appeal.

Is amazon Removing Ads Completely?

Not necessarily. The German court decision does not immediately force amazon to remove ads globally or even immediately in Germany — it primarily says amazon can’t impose ads without properly informing and getting consent from subscribers.

According to legal reporting from similar cases:

· Courts have criticized how amazon communicated the change and found it violated unfair competition rules.

· However, the rulings do not automatically require amazon to fully strip out ads across all markets — rather they emphadata-size transparency and respecting contract terms.

Broader Context & Similar Issues

There are also consumer fights elsewhere:

· In Brazil, some local courts have reportedly ordered amazon to remove ads and pay damages to users who signed up under ad‑free terms (though this is based on local reports and not widely covered).

· In other countries (including India), ads are being introduced unless users pay extra for the ad‑free option, leading to user complaints and potential consumer protection scrutiny.

Meanwhile, U.S. courts have dismissed some contracts‑based claims, holding that adding ads did not violate terms as long as Prime Video is still available — although legal battles continue.

What This Means for Viewers

· Amazon is unlikely to remove ads entirely across all regions immediately — especially where no court order forces a nationwide removal.

· The German ruling may push amazon to change how it offers ads, potentially requiring clearer consent or opt‑in mechanisms.

· Legal pressure is mounting globally, so future changes or compromises are possible, but no sweeping removal of ads has been confirmed yet.

 

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