Amazon sued over Prime? Class-action Amazon Prime lawsuit disputes ad fee change legality
Prime Video customers initially found out Jan. 29 that Amazon Prime would start charging a fee for ad-free streaming, but a class-action lawsuit out of Washington is trying to make the company pump the brakes.
The class-action lawsuit against Amazon Prime − Napoleon v. Amazon − states a jury trial has been requested to challenge the legality of the recent changes made by Amazon to create an ad-free streaming tier.
Amazon Prime Video: Service will cost you more starting in 2024 if you want to watch without ads
Here's what you need to know:
Is there an Amazon Prime class-action lawsuit over ad-free streaming?
Yes. A class-action lawsuit was filed in the state of Washington by plaintiff Wilbert Napoleon of Eastvale, Calif., on Feb. 9, 2024.
What does Amazon Prime lawsuit mean for consumers?
The class-action lawsuit is listed in excess of $5 million, exluding interest and costs.
According to the lawsuit, Amazon has provided ad-free streaming of movies and television shows on Prime Video for more than a decade. When Amazon decided to charge a fee for ad-free viewing, all customers were impacted including customers "who purchased the yearly, ad-free subscription, and who are now mid-way through their subscription."
The lawsuit claims subscribers already paid for the ad-free version and it is unfair for the company to charge consumers for a servce in which they have already paid.
To support the claim, the lawsuit also notes Amazon advertised the subscription as a service that included ad-free streaming of movies and TV. The plaintiff states he and other consumers bought the service "believing that it would include ad-free streaming of movies and tv shows. But it does not."
The class-action lawsuit includes the citizens of every state.
Read the Amazon Prime class-action lawsuit: Napoleon v. Amazon
Amazon Prime Video ad fee changes
Customers wanting to maintain the ad-free viewing experience are expected to pay an additional $2.99 per month. Subscribers received an email ahead of ads being introduced with information on how to choose the more expensive ad-free tier.
According to USA Today, the advertisement launch begins in Canada, Germany, the United Kingdom and the United States in early 2024. Australia, France, Italy, Mexico and Spain will start later in the year.
What is Amazon Prime Video membership cost or price?
The current price for an Amazon Prime Video membership is currently $8.99 per month, while Amazon Prime – which includes Prime Video – is $14.99 per month or $139 per year. Ad-free viewing would require an additional $2.99 charge.
How do I cancel Amazon Prime Video?
Visit amazon.com to cancel your Prime Video membership. Click on "Manage Your Prime Membership" to get started.
Chris Sims is a digital content producer at Midwest Connect Gannett. Follow him on Twitter: @ChrisFSims.
This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Amazon Prime class-action lawsuit 2024: Prime Video ad fee disputed
