In the future, you might not need to take many steps to cancel subscriptions. The Federal Trade Commission is recommending rule changes that would compel providers to make subscription cancellations as simple as subscription enrollment, including using the same channel. For instance, if signing up for an online fitness class just requires a few clicks, cancelling should only require an equal number of clicks.
When you want to terminate service, the plan would also provide you the option to not hear pitches for other products. According to the FTC, providers would have to send yearly reminders of renewals for subscriptions to anything other than actual items. Other regulatory amendments would prohibit misleading statements and demand explicit explanations of what customers are obtaining.
The FTC’s attempt would update the 1973 Negative Option Rule and reflect European Union subscription policy. According to commission Chair Lina Khan, this should stop businesses from tricking customers into paying for services they don’t want or aren’t utilising anymore. Additionally, it is intended to stop the all-too-common practise of making clients visit or call a store in order to make the cancellation procedure more challenging.
The proposal doesn’t specify any particular sanctions for transgressions. It’s unclear how well the revised laws would work to dissuade perpetrators. However, if used, the strategy can make it simpler to test out new services. Without having to fear that it will be difficult to terminate your plan, you could subscribe for a few months. Telecoms, on the other hand, might also be required to let you go without making any final concessions or demanding that you speak with a store employee.
