Poland’s client watchdog, the Workplace of Competitors and Client Safety (UOKiK), has accused Netflix of elevating subscription charges with out securing specific person consent, the regulator stated on Monday (Aug 25).
UOKiK stated that in August 2024, Netflix had unilaterally elevated some month-to-month charges by as much as 7 zlotys (US$1.92) with out acquiring lively approval from subscribers.
Beneath Polish client safety regulation, corporations can not unilaterally alter important contract phrases, reminiscent of pricing, with out securing specific approval from subscribers.
“Consolation and clear communication with customers are essential for us, and performing in accordance with all relevant legal guidelines is our prime precedence,” Netflix’s press workplace stated.
“We are going to work intently with UOKiK to make clear this matter, guaranteeing essentially the most beneficial answer for Netflix viewers in Poland,” it added.
The watchdog stated Netflix’s apply allegedly relied on a scarcity of subscriber response to sign they agreed with greater costs.
UOKiK argued that merely notifying clients and urgent forward doesn’t meet authorized necessities for legitimate contract modifications. The watchdog is elevating fees in opposition to the group, it stated in a press release, indicating the beginning of an administrative continuing.
“The value of the service, like several provision, shouldn’t be modified unilaterally, with out the specific and knowledgeable consent of the person,” UOKiK President Tomasz Chrostny stated within the assertion.
If the allegations are confirmed, Netflix may face a advantageous of as much as 10 per cent of its turnover for every illegal clause, and could also be required to reimburse clients for unjustly charged charges.
UOKiK stated it had intervened in an analogous case earlier this 12 months, prompting Amazon to amend its phrases for Amazon Prime and Amazon Prime Video
