Poland’s Office of Competition and Consumer Protection (UOKiK) has initiated proceedings against Orange Polska for irregularities accompanying the activation of its paid services and subscription services provided by other entities for Orange customers.
In a statement, UOKiK says the additional fees may appear in invoices under the heading “electronic services”. They also fall into two types, namely hon-telco services provided by Orange and third party services billed by the operator using “Order with Orange”.
It adds that this distinction is very important when submitting a complaint to the appropriate entity.
According to Tomasz Chóstny, president of UOKIK, “On the invoice, the charges for both of these services were listed under the name ‘electronic services’, which made it difficult for consumers to recognise what the services were and who was providing them. Many people who reported to UOKiK claimed that they did not order additional services and therefore did not know where the charges came from. According to the law, entrepreneurs should obtain unambiguous confirmation from consumers indicating that they are aware of the paid nature of the ordered service. In the case of Orange Polska, consumer signals confirm that the premium service ordering mechanism could mislead and expose consumers to additional costs”.
UOKiK can fine a company up top 10% of its turnover for the infringement of collective consumer interests.
