A “click to cancel” law was last month passed in California, and now the FTC has ratified a federal rule designed to achieve the same goal.The idea of both is to force companies to make it as easy to cancel an online or app subscription as it is to sign up in the first place.Both laws were introduced in response to sketchy practices by companies designed to make it as difficult as possible to unsubscribe.
Federal ‘click to cancel subscriptions’ rule is ratified The agency has now announced that the rule has been finalized.It’s common for subscriptions to automatically renew unless cancelled, which the FTC refers to as “a negative option” – that is, the subscription is opt out rather than opt in annually.The new rule imposes four conditions on all subscriptions: Clearly and accurately disclose all material facts Clearly disclose the fact that the subscription will continue until cancelled Get “express informed consent” to automatic renewal Make it as easy to cancel the subscription as it was to sign up But it has been weakened in two ways When originally drafted, the rule would have required companies to send annual reminders that your subscription is still active.
This was intended to address the common scenario of consumers forgetting about an unused subscription.notes that requirement has now been removed.Second, companies were to be banned from trying to persuade you to keep your subscription by listing benefits or making reduced payment offers.
The thinking here is that this contradicts the idea of a one-click unsubscribe process.This too has been removed from the final version of the rule, so companies still make arguments and offers intended to persuade you to change your mind.Provided there’s no legal challenge, the rule will take effect in six months.
Update: Delayed, and may be weakened reports that enforcement has been delayed by two months, and the law may be weakened.Highlighted accessories Anker 511 Nano Pro ultra-compact iPhone charger Spigen MagFit case for iPhone 16e – adds MagSafe support Apple MagSafe Charger with 25w power for iPhone 16 models Apple 30W charger for above Anker 240W braided USB-C to USB-C cable You’re reading 9to5Mac — experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day.Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop.
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