Italian court: Netflix price increases are illegal
In Italy, a court has issued a decision that could have huge implications for streaming services across Europe.
According to the court's decision (in Italian), Netflix's price increases in Italy between 2017 and 2024 were illegal, as they were not justified in any way.
According to the court, price increases made without any specified and explained reason are illegal, as they violate Italian consumer protection law. Netflix does not define any specific reason in its terms of service on the basis of which it can raise prices, but rather generally reserves the right to increase its prices in its terms of service. According to the court, this is not permissible; instead, the reasons for price increases must be clearly stated in the contract - for example, by describing that they are based on inflation or a similar, understandable reason.
Behind the decision is a lawsuit filed by the Italian consumer organization Movimento Consumatori, which demanded the annulment of Netflix's price increases and compensation for customers. The court ordered that the company must refund customers for unduly collected fees, the amount of which can in individual cases reach up to 500 euros for Premium subscribers and approximately 250 euros for Standard subscribers. The refunds apply to both current and former customers who have paid increased prices during the period in question.

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