Poland’s Office of Competition and Consumer Protection (UOKiK) has accused Netflix of raising subscription fees without securing explicit approval from users, in what the regulator described as a clear breach of consumer rights.
In August 2024, Netflix increased the cost of its streaming plans by up to 7 zlotys (approx. $1.90) per month, automatically charging customers’ bank cards linked to their accounts. UOKiK said the platform relied on subscribers’ silence as a form of consent, despite legal requirements that mandate clear and active approval for any change in contract terms.
“Consumers cannot be treated fairly if a streaming platform assumes that ‘no objection’ equals agreement to new, significant terms of a contract,” UOKiK President Tomasz Chróstny said in a statement. “Price changes, like any essential element of a service, must be based on explicit and informed consent. Anything less is a violation of the law.”
The watchdog has challenged Netflix’s contractual clauses that give the company broad discretion to alter subscription terms unilaterally. If the charges are upheld, Netflix could face penalties of up to 10% of its turnover for each unlawful clause, as well as an obligation to reimburse users for improperly collected fees.
Broader Market Scrutiny
The Netflix probe comes as UOKiK expands its review of subscription practices across the digital sector. The regulator is currently examining the terms and policies of other major providers, including Apple, Google (YouTube Premium), Disney+, HBO Max, Microsoft (Game Pass), Sony (PlayStation Plus), and Adobe.
Chróstny noted that some companies have already pledged to adjust their practices. “We see slow but positive changes in the market. Google and Apple, during our ongoing proceedings, have declared that they will comply with Polish regulations regarding changes to subscription contracts. But declarations are not enough—we expect automatic compensation for consumers if unlawful price increases occurred in the past.”
Previous Interventions
This is not UOKiK’s first action in the sector. In 2023, Amazon modified its subscription terms for Prime and Prime Video after regulatory intervention.
With the latest case, UOKiK is signaling it will continue to watch subscription-based platforms, particularly where companies attempt to impose unilateral changes in pricing or conditions.
