Polish watchdog fines PayPal $27.3m for unclear clauses

Poland’s antitrust and consumer protection watchdog, UOKiK, has fined PayPal Europe 106.6 million zlotys ($27.3 million) for unclear contractual clauses regarding prohibited activities that could result in penalties.

UOKiK stated that the ambiguous language in PayPal’s terms made it difficult for consumers to understand which actions were forbidden and the potential consequences, including account restrictions.

UOKiK head Tomasz Chrostny remarked, “PayPal clauses are general, ambiguous, and incomprehensible,” emphasising that users cannot accurately predict prohibited actions or corresponding sanctions.

The decision is not final, and PayPal has the right to appeal in court. In response, PayPal expressed its commitment to fair customer treatment and transparency, indicating it is reviewing the announcement and working closely with UOKiK during the investigation.

Attribution: Reuters