Amazon has been hit with a class action lawsuit, accusing the company of improperly unilaterally changing the terms of service for its Prime video streaming service.
The suit alleges that Amazon now requires customers to pay an additional $3 per month or watch commercials, despite advertising for years that Prime includes commercial-free internet streaming.
The case was initially filed in Cook County Circuit Court in February, but was moved to federal court by Amazon on March 21.
Richard J. Daley Center, Chicago
| Jonathan Bilyk
The plaintiffs, Michael Milkes and Shari C. White, both identified as residents of Illinois and subscribers to Prime, claim their television viewing on Prime was unexpectedly interrupted by commercials in February. They allege that Amazon did not seek their consent or that of others similarly situated to change the terms of Prime.
Both plaintiffs had paid for a full year of Prime before the changes were announced on Jan. 4.
The lawsuit seeks to expand the case to include all Illinois residents who purchased one year of Prime prior to Jan. 4. It argues that Amazon's actions violate the Illinois Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act.
Plaintiffs are represented by attorney Paul R. Kesselman, of Wilmette.