Aug 25 (Reuters) - Poland's consumer watchdog the Office

of Competition and Consumer Protection (UOKiK) has accused

Netflix ( NFLX ) of raising subscription fees without securing

explicit user consent, the regulator said on Monday.

UOKiK said that in August 2024 Netflix ( NFLX ) had unilaterally

increased some monthly fees by up to 7 zlotys ($1.92) without

obtaining active approval from subscribers.

The Polish watchdog has questioned whether companies can

unilaterally alter essential contract terms, such as pricing,

without securing explicit consent from subscribers. The legality

of such practices has yet to be determined.

"Comfort and transparent communication with consumers are

crucial for us, and acting in accordance with all applicable

laws is our top priority," Netflix's ( NFLX ) press office said.

"We will work closely with UOKiK to clarify this matter,

ensuring the most favourable solution for Netflix ( NFLX ) viewers in

Poland," it added.

The watchdog said Netflix's ( NFLX ) practice allegedly relied on a

lack of subscriber response to signal they agreed with higher

prices.

UOKiK argued that merely notifying customers and pressing

ahead does not meet legal requirements for valid contract

changes. The watchdog is raising charges against Netflix's ( NFLX ) Dutch

subsidiary, which services the Polish market, 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," UOKiK President Tomasz Chrostny said in the

statement.

If the allegations are confirmed, Netflix ( NFLX ) could face a fine

of up to 10% of its Dutch subsidiary's turnover for each

unlawful clause, and may be required to reimburse customers for

unjustly charged fees.

UOKiK said it had intervened in a similar case earlier this

year, prompting Amazon to amend its terms for Amazon Prime and

Amazon Prime Video.

($1 = 3.6410 zlotys)