I recently wrote about how ad-laden streaming platforms are starting to look more and more like cable TV, especially if a user’s previous ad-free subscription is subsequently interrupted by ads. It didn’t take long for Amazon to have to defend its decision in court, as a class action lawsuit was filed against it in a California court.

This legal action points to a breach of contract and infringements of state consumer protection laws, representing the interests of users who witnessed a shift in their subscription terms. This shift occurred when Amazon opted to make its ad-supported tier the default setting for its vast base of over 100 million subscribers. The lawsuit condemns this move as not only “unfair” but also illegal, arguing that Amazon reaped undue benefits by marketing Prime Video as devoid of commercials for an extended period before the introduction of its ad-supported tier. This, the complaint articulates, inflicts damage on both the consumers and the integrity of fair competition.

Seeking recompense exceeding $5 million and a judicial mandate to prevent Amazon from perpetuating such alleged deceptive practices, the class action targets the protection of users who committed to Prime subscriptions before December 28, 2023. The legal claims encompass breach of contract, false advertising, and unfair competition, alongside other purported violations of consumer protection statutes in both California and Washington. Originating from Wilbert Napoleon of Eastvale, California, a self-identified Prime member, the lawsuit is brought forward on behalf of himself and fellow Amazon Prime customers. It contends that Amazon’s actions contravene the consumer protection laws of Washington State and California, which explicitly outlaw unfair competition and deceptive business methodologies.

This lawsuit underscores the tension between consumer expectations and the business practices of large online platforms, highlighting the need for transparency and honesty in the provision of subscription services. It reflects broader concerns about fair competition and the integrity of consumer transactions in the digital marketplace, where terms of service and product offerings can shift, leaving subscribers at a disadvantage. The decision by streaming platforms, exemplified by Amazon, to retroactively introduce advertisements into previously ad-free subscription services raises significant legal and ethical questions. It illuminates the potential legal pitfalls associated with such a strategy, primarily breach of contract and violations of consumer protection laws.

Firstly, at the heart of these legal challenges is the notion of breach of contract. Subscribers enter agreements with streaming services under specific terms, often with the expectation of an ad-free viewing experience as a significant selling point. The unilateral alteration of these terms to introduce ads without explicit consent or adequate notice fundamentally undermines the basis of the contractual agreement. This not only erodes trust but also exposes the platforms to legal scrutiny and potential financial liabilities for failing to uphold their end of the agreement. Secondly, the practice can be construed as deceptive, particularly if the change is made without clear communication or if the original terms are obscured. Most countries have laws designed to safeguard consumers against unfair and deceptive business practices. The introduction of ads into a previously ad-free service could be seen as a significant alteration of the service’s nature, potentially misleading consumers about the product they are paying for. This deception not only harms the consumer financially by diminishing the value of the service they receive but also compromises the integrity of fair competition by potentially misleading consumers during their initial subscription decision.

Moreover, this strategy may undermine consumer trust in digital subscription services. The expectation of a consistent service experience is fundamental to consumer satisfaction and trust in digital platforms. Abrupt changes, especially those perceived as detrimental to the user experience, can have long-lasting impacts on a company’s reputation and its relationship with its user base. In the digital marketplace, where alternatives are readily available, maintaining consumer trust is paramount for long-term success. Ultimately, respecting consumer expectations and legal agreements is not only a matter of legal compliance but also a foundational principle for sustaining trust and integrity in the digital economy.

János Tamás Papp JD, PhD is an assistant professor at Pázmány Péter Catholic University, Hungary, and a legal expert at the Department of Online Platforms of the National Media and Infocommunications Authority of Hungary. He has taught civil and constitutional law since 2015 and became a founding member of the Media Law Research Group of the Department of Private Law. He earned his JD and PhD in Law at the Faculty of Law and Political Sciences of the Pázmány Péter Catholic University. His main research fields are freedom of speech, media law, and issues related to freedom of expression on online platforms. He has a number of publications regarding social media and the law, including a book titled „Regulation of Social Media Platforms in Protection of Democratic Discourses”