The amount of this compensation could reach up to €75 per person, depending on the case. This procedure concerns both current customers and those who have terminated their contract, provided they act before December 31, 2025.
A look back at a price increase deemed abusive
The case dates back to February 2018, when Canal+ decided to automatically increase the price of certain subscriptions, from €2 to €5 per month, without obtaining the explicit consent of customers. A method denounced from the outset by UFC-Que Choisir, which sees it as a violation of the Consumer Code, in particular Article L224-33 requiring prior information and clear consent from the subscriber.
In 2021, the consumer protection association launched a class action, a first in France against an audiovisual operator. After years of litigation, the two parties have reached an agreement: Canal+ has now agreed to compensate the injured subscribers, without going to trial.
Up to €75 in compensation, but not for everyone
The amount of compensation depends on several criteria: the size of the increase (€2 or €5 per month), the length of the subscription, and whether the subscriber is still a customer or not. In practice, compensation will vary between 20 and 75 euros.
Canal+ undertakes to automatically contact current subscribers and former customers who canceled after May 31, 2020. A form will be sent by mail or email within 15 days of the official announcement, i.e. from June 23, 2025. It will simply need to be completed and returned before December 31, 2025 to receive a credit note (for current customers) or a check (for former subscribers).
For customers who canceled before May 2020, the process is more active: they will have to request compensation themselves, by writing to Canal+ customer service, by email or post, with supporting documents (old subscriber number, copy of direct debit, Canal+ email, etc.).
As is often the case with this type of amicable settlement, subscribers who accept this compensation waive any other legal action in return. on this matter. A clause that UFC-Que Choisir fully supports, believing that this agreement allows for a rapid, fair, and concrete resolution for thousands of consumers.
The association also points out that this compensation is provided outside of a court order, but constitutes a “concrete success for subscribers’ rights,” according to its press release. As for Canal+, the operator thus avoids a lengthy and potentially image-damaging trial, while reaffirming its desire to turn the page.
How do you know if you are affected?
You are potentially eligible if:
- You took out a Canal+ subscription that was increased without your consent in 2018,
- You are still a customer, or you canceled between May 2020 and May 2025 (you will then be contacted automatically),
- You canceled before May 2020, in which case you must contact us before December 31, 2025.
After years of proceedings, this agreement marks a symbolic victory for consumer protection. It also sends a clear signal to audiovisual operators: price increases can no longer be implemented in complete secrecy. For the subscribers concerned, it now remains to not let the deadline pass. The deadline for asserting your rights is December 31, 2025.
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