Have you ever clicked "buy" on a movie on Prime Video? A new lawsuit claims that simple button is the center of a massive deception. A class action lawsuit has been filed against Amazon, alleging that the company misleads customers into thinking they own a movie when, in reality, they're only getting a limited license that can be taken away at any time.
What's The Deception?
The lawsuit argues that Amazon's use of the word "buy" violates consumer protection laws. When a person "buys" a product, the legal expectation is that they will have permanent, unrestricted ownership. However, the lawsuit claims that in the fine print, Amazon specifies that customers are merely receiving a limited license. This distinction is crucial because it gives Amazon the power to remove content from your account without a refund if a third-party studio changes or revokes the licensing agreement.
This deceptive practice can have real consequences for consumers. Some have reported that movies they "bought" have had features like Dolby Vision and Atmos sound removed unless they pay an additional fee. This adds a powerful layer to the lawsuit, showing that the alleged "bait and switch" is already impacting the content customers paid for.
Amazon's Defense
Amazon's legal team has maintained that its terms of service clearly outline the conditions of a digital "purchase," and that customers agree to these terms when they use the service. In a separate lawsuit over the introduction of ads to Prime Video, a judge ruled in Amazon's favor, agreeing that the company's terms and conditions allowed them to modify the service. However, the "buy" button lawsuit argues that the terms are not enough to counter the clear, misleading impression created by the word "buy" itself.
Don't be caught by surprise. The next time you "buy" a digital movie, be aware of what you are actually getting. Share this article to help your friends and family understand what's at stake and to make sure they are not caught off guard by this digital deception.