The Organization of Consumers and Users (OCU) has denounced Netflix before Consumption for unfair commercial practices by hiding certain cheap rates in its offer. According to the association, the American company shows “misleadingly its recruitment offers” intentionally hiding intermediate rates without advertisements.
When wanting to contract the Netflix service, it presents the standard rate with ads (5.49 euros per month), a novelty introduced with its latest strategic changes, as the only rate cheaper than the standard pack (12.99 euros per month). The basic plan, without ads and an intermediate cost (7.99 euros), “is not presented first to customers” and appears only once “see all plans” is clicked.
In this way, the way in which the offer is presented would encourage contracting the rate with advertisements under the premise that it is the cheapest among only three options. “Not showing all available subscription plans at first glance creates confusion and gives the wrong impression that there is no cheaper alternative,” it is criticized. The standard one with ads is the cheapest, but in exchange it contains advertising, a new revenue formula for the company, and does not allow downloads.
The practice occurs after the change in rates in the company, which has tightened the possibility of sharing accounts. Customers “now more than ever need a clear overview.” “These practices not only infringe the rights of consumers, but are also intentionally designed to deceive users,” the OCU continues.
The association has coordinated its complaint with a similar one in Italy, while in France and Germany the situation would also be repeated.
