Poland: Issued decision in the investigation into Vectra regarding consumer protection

On 13 December 2023, the Office of Competition and Consumer Protection (UOKiK) issued a decision in the investigation into Vectra regarding consumer protection. Vectra allegedly combined their agreements with an antivirus program called "Safe Internet". The program was offered for free for the first 2 or 4 months, after which an additional fee of PLN 6.90 per month was charged if the user did not cancel. UOKiK found that Vectra did not clearly inform the user of this additional paid service, resulting in a lack of consent. Under Article 10 of the Act on Consumer Rights, activation of additional paid services requires the subscriber's express consent. UOKiK has ordered Vectra to refund up to 24 payments, which amounts to PLN 165.60. Furthermore, Vectra will refund the increased charges for the first five invoices, up to PLN 34.50, to subscribers who signed up for Internet services as part of a promotional offer that automatically activated the "Safe Internet" service and then cancelled it before the fifth invoice. Vectra has since revised its offers, requiring separate consent for "Safe Internet." The decision is not final.