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WARSAW — Poland's consumer watchdog, the Office of Competition and Consumer Protection, has accused Netflix of raising subscription fees without securing explicit user consent, the regulator said on Monday.
The agency said that in August 2024, Netflix had unilaterally increased some monthly fees by up to $1.92 without obtaining active approval from subscribers.
Under Polish consumer protection law, companies cannot unilaterally alter essential contract terms, such as pricing, without securing explicit approval from subscribers.
"Comfort and transparent communication with consumers are crucial for us, and acting in accordance with all applicable laws is our top priority," Netflix's press office said. "We will work closely with UOKiK to clarify this matter, ensuring the most favorable solution for Netflix viewers in Poland."
The watchdog said Netflix's practice allegedly relied on a lack of subscriber response to signal they agreed with higher prices.
The Office of Competition and Consumer Protection argued that merely notifying customers and proceeding without further action does not meet legal requirements for valid contract changes. The watchdog is raising charges against the group, it said in a statement, indicating the start of an administrative proceeding.
"The price of the service, like any provision, should not be changed unilaterally, without the explicit and informed consent of the user," Office of Competition and Consumer Protection President Tomasz Chrostny said in the statement.
If the allegations are confirmed, Netflix could face a fine of up to 10% of its turnover for each unlawful clause, and may be required to reimburse customers for unjustly charged fees.
The office said it had intervened in a similar case earlier this year, prompting Amazon to amend its terms for Amazon Prime and Amazon Prime Video.
