Poland’s client watchdog, the Workplace of Competitors and Client Safety (UOKiK), has accused Netflix of elevating subscription charges with out securing express 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.
Underneath Polish client safety legislation, corporations can’t unilaterally alter important contract phrases, corresponding to pricing, with out securing express approval from subscribers.
“Consolation and clear communication with customers are essential for us, and appearing in accordance with all relevant legal guidelines is our prime precedence,” Netflix’s press workplace stated.
“We’ll work carefully with UOKiK to make clear this matter, making certain essentially the most beneficial resolution for Netflix viewers in Poland,” it added.
The watchdog stated Netflix’s observe allegedly relied on an absence of subscriber response to sign they agreed with larger 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 all provision, shouldn’t be modified unilaterally, with out the express and knowledgeable consent of the person,” UOKiK President Tomasz Chrostny stated within the assertion.
If the allegations are confirmed, Netflix might face a effective 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
