uokik Investigates HBO Max Over Device Compatibility Issues and Consumer Rights
The polish competition authority,UOKiK (Urząd Ochrony Konkurencji i Konsumentów),is investigating HBO Europe regarding practices related to device compatibility for its HBO Max streaming service. The investigation centers on concerns that HBO europe may be unfairly limiting consumer access to the service by removing device support after subscriptions have begun, and a lack of transparency surrounding device compatibility at the time of subscription.
Specifically,UOKiK is examining issues including the restriction of HBO Max functionality on users’ existing devices,the absence of data in subscription confirmations detailing compatible devices,imprecise technical requirements,and a lack of guarantee that devices compatible at the time of subscription will remain so throughout the subscription period. https://uokik.gov.pl/news/hbo-europe-pod-lupa-uokik-sprawa-dotyczy-urzadzen-kompatybilnych-z-hbo-max-5849.html
The core of the complaint is that HBO Europe sometimes removes device models from its list of supported devices, effectively cutting off service to paying subscribers without requiring any change on the user’s end. As UOKiK President Tomasz Chróstny stated, this practice effectively forces consumers to purchase new devices to continue accessing a service they are already paying for. https://uokik.gov.pl/news/hbo-europe-pod-lupa-uokik-sprawa-dotyczy-urzadzen-kompatybilnych-z-hbo-max-5849.html
“Unilaterally limiting the list of devices compatible with the service puts HBO users in a situation: you want to watch, buy a new device,” Chróstny explained in a statement. “Simultaneously occurring, we buy devices such as TVs with the intention of using them for years. Without a clear and precise definition of the rules and limits of these changes, consumers have no way of predicting or verifying the risk of losing access to the service when concluding the contract.”
UOKiK believes these practices could lead to financial losses for consumers, including the devaluation of paid subscriptions and the need to incur additional costs for new hardware.The authority is also scrutinizing how HBO Europe communicates technical requirements and device compatibility information to users.
If found to be in violation of consumer protection laws,HBO Europe could face a fine of up to 10% of its annual turnover for each violation,and be required to compensate customers for improperly charged fees. https://uokik.gov.pl/news/hbo-europe-pod-lupa-uokik-sprawa-dotyczy-urzadzen-kompatybilnych-z-hbo-max-5849.html
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