News Brief: Microsoft Refunds Australian Customers After ACCC Action
Summary
Microsoft will refund Australian customers for price increases on their Microsoft 365 subscriptions after the ACCC took court action, alleging the company misled customers by hiding a cheaper, non-AI plan.
Key Points
- Refunds Offered: Microsoft will refund the price difference to eligible customers who switch back to their original, cheaper “Classic” plans.
- ACCC Allegations: The consumer watchdog sued Microsoft, alleging it “deliberately hid” the cheaper Classic plan option from about 2.7 million Australians.
- Price Increases: Following Copilot AI integration, the Personal plan price rose 45% (to $159/year) and the Family plan rose 29% (to $179/year).
- Ongoing Court Case: The ACCC is continuing its legal action, seeking penalties and other orders, despite Microsoft’s refund offer.
- Technical Issues: Some customers received incorrect links when trying to switch plans, causing further frustration and delays.
新闻简报：微软在ACCC采取行动后向客户退款
总结
在澳大利亚竞争与消费者委员会（ACCC）采取法律行动后，微软将向澳大利亚客户退还其Microsoft 365订阅的涨价费用。ACCC指控微软通过隐藏更便宜的非AI计划来误导客户。
关键点
- 提供退款：微软将向选择切换回原始、更便宜的”经典”计划的符合条件的客户退还价格差额。
- ACCC指控：该消费者监管机构起诉微软，指控其向约270万澳大利亚人”故意隐藏”了更便宜的经典计划选项。
- 价格上涨：在集成Copilot AI功能后，个人版年费上涨45%（至159美元），家庭版年费上涨29%（至179美元）。
- 持续的法律案件：尽管微软提供了退款，ACCC仍在继续其法律行动，寻求处罚和其他命令。
- 技术问题：一些客户在尝试切换计划时收到了错误的链接，导致进一步的挫折和延误。
Original Article Link: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-11-06/microsoft-to-refund-customers-for-365-subscription-price-hike/105977094