The article reports on an issue raised by UOKiK regarding HBO Max, a digital video on demand service operated by HBO Europe. It highlights complaints from customers who find themselves unable to access the service on devices that have been removed from the supported list, while still having to pay for the subscription. This situation often affects those who obtained their subscription through telecommunications operators, resulting in a frustrating experience for users who cannot watch the content they have subscribed to.

UOKiK points out that this unilateral restriction of compatible devices creates a dilemma for subscribers—where they are told they must purchase new devices to continue using the service. This places an additional financial burden on consumers who had invested in equipment expecting full access to the service. The agency's statements underscore the consumer rights issues that arise when providers change service conditions without prior notice or consideration for their customers.

The implications of this issue are significant for HBO Europe, as it can lead to a potential loss of customer trust and legal challenges if the regulatory body proceeds with any investigations or penalties. This case may also prompt broader discussions regarding consumer protection laws in the digital service arena, particularly as technology evolves and service providers change access terms. For consumers, it raises awareness about the importance of understanding the service agreements they enter into, especially in digital ecosystems where compatibility issues can suddenly impact their access and user experience.