Poland’s Office of Competition and Consumer Protection (UOKiK) has imposed (8 November) a PLN 68 million (USD 17 million) fine on telecommunications provider Vectra for using unfair inflation-linked clauses to raise subscription fees. These clauses allowed Vectra to increase charges based on inflation and other vaguely defined circumstances, often without clear notice to consumers, and prevented price reductions under similar terms.
UOKiK’s investigation found that Vectra exploited these clauses to shift the economic burden onto customers, leading to unexpected price hikes even shortly after contracts were signed. The decision mandates Vectra to refund customers for any unauthorized increases and to cease using these clauses, which are now considered invalid in consumer contracts.
Starting November 10, new regulations under the Electronic Communications Law will enhance consumer protection, requiring more transparency in contract modifications and limiting unjustified charges.
Source: https://uokik.gov.pl/klauzule-inflacyjne-kara-dla-vectry-i-zwrot-dla-konsumentow
