[Original in Italian]Netflix, ruling: “Subscription increases are illegitimate”. Refunds up to 500 euros per family

Good to see that there are courts left who give a fuck about consumer rights

# Netflix ruling: “Subscription increases are unlawful.” Refunds of up to €500 per family.

*by* editorial staff LOGIN

The Rome court upholds the action brought by the Consumer Movement: the unilateral price increases applied by Netflix in 2017, 2019, 2021, and November 2024 are unlawful. The platform: We will appeal, convinced that our conditions are in line with Italian law and practice.

[](https://www.corriere.it/tecnologia/26_aprile_03/netflix-sentenza-gli-aumenti-degli-abbonamenti-sono-illegittimi-rimborsi-fino-a-500-euro-a-famiglia-7059fdf6-b26b-429b-a554-0c6dfdbbaxlk.shtml#)

The Rome court has upheld the action brought by the **Consumer Movement** against Netflix Italy, finding the clauses that allowed for changes to subscription prices and other contractual terms from 2017 to January 2024 to be unfair and therefore invalid. These clauses, in violation of the Consumer Code, permitted

changes **without specifying a justified reason in the contract** . Consequently, **the unilateral subscription increases applied by Netflix** [in 2017, 2019, 2021,](https://www.corriere.it/tecnologia/cards/netflix-aumenta-di-nuovo-i-prezzi-il-premium-arriva-a-20-euro-ma-e-piu-caro-anche-quello-con-pubblicita/gli-aumenti-di-netflix-dal-2019-al-2021.shtml) and [November 2024](https://www.corriere.it/tecnologia/cards/netflix-aumenta-di-nuovo-i-prezzi-il-premium-arriva-a-20-euro-ma-e-piu-caro-anche-quello-con-pubblicita/netflix-volano-i-conti-ma-salgono-i-prezzi-italiani_principale.shtml) were declared unlawful . Increases relating to contracts signed after January 2024 are an exception. 

**A Netflix spokesperson** , contacted by Corriere LOGIN, **announced that an appeal will be filed** against the ruling. The American company says it is convinced that it has always respected consumer rights and that the terms have always been in line with Italian law and practice.

# What Netflix subscribers can get

What are the consequences? Each subscriber will be entitled to **a reduction in the current subscription price, the refund of any sums unduly paid, and any compensation for damages** . The court also ordered Netflix to publish the content of the ruling on its website and in major national newspapers and to inform all consumers, including those who have cancelled their subscriptions, of the invalidity of the clauses and their right to a refund. 

# How to get refunds

The Consumer Movement writes: “If Netflix does not spontaneously reimburse its customers for the amount of the unlawful increases, the Consumer Movement will launch a class action lawsuit to ensure that all affected users receive the refund of the amounts unduly paid.” To express interest in joining the class action, the association [has prepared an online form](https://comunicazionemc.wufoo.com/forms/movimento-consumatori-rimborsi-netflix/) . 

# How much are the refunds?

” **The decision** ,” specify Paolo Fiorio and Corrado Pinna, lawyers who assisted the Consumer Movement in the case, ” **affects millions of consumers** . It is estimated that, in Italy, Netflix has gone from 1.9 million customers in 2019 to approximately 5.4 million by October 2025. For the premium plan, the unlawful increases applied in 2017, 2019, 2021, and 2024 currently amount to a total of 8 euros per month, while for the standard plan, the increases currently amount to a total of 4 euros per month. **A premium customer who has paid Netflix continuously from 2017 to today is entitled to a refund of approximately 500 euros** , while **a standard customer is entitled to a refund of approximately 250 euros** . The unlawful increases **also affect the basic plan, which saw a 2-euro increase in October 2024.** ” 

Subscription cuts

The ruling also requires Netflix to reduce current subscription prices by the same amount as the unlawful increases. **For example, a premium customer who activated a subscription in 2017** and is currently paying €19.99 is entitled to the same service for €11.99, while a standard customer paying €13.99 will have to pay €9.99. “If Netflix does not immediately reduce prices and refund customers,” said Alessandro Mostaccio, president of Movimento Consumatori, “we will launch a class action lawsuit to ensure all users receive the refund of the amounts they unduly paid.”

Just ban netflix in europe and pirate any netflix shows openly. That will show them

That’s a massive fuck up from the legal department 

Make enshittification illegal.

Very good. I’ve been subribed from before 2015 until 2023.

Never used this trash service and never will. Building a private video library is so much satisfying then relying on the whims of some sub service. Fuck Netflix

Wow! Must be nice to have consumer protections! What’s that like? I’m pretty sure they’re going to start selling toys with lead paint in the US fairly soon. Or start selling Shards of Glass (TM) cuz kids like shiny things.

If only you could understand how that undercuts your entire argument.

How couldn’t they justify increase in prices? Cost of operations when up… what’s missing?