FTC wants to make cancellations simpler - I approve of this

[AlexO]

FTC wants to make cancellations simpler - I approve of this


https://www.cnn.com/2024/10/16/business ... index.html

"CNN — In today’s digital landscape, signing up for a service usually only takes a couple of clicks of a button. But opting out of a plan can prove to be much harder.

The Federal Trade Commission on Wednesday moved to change that.

The FTC unveiled its final “click-to-cancel” rule, which requires businesses provide a way for consumers to cancel their subscriptions that is just as easy as it is to sign up. That includes everything from gym memberships to digital streaming and e-commerce to cable TV service. "


"What exactly does this new rule do?

“The rule makes it clear that it has to be as easy to cancel a subscription as it is to sign up,” said Laura Brett, vice president of the National Advertising Division of BBB National Programs. “That means it’s got to be easy to find where to cancel and how to cancel, and that you never have to interact with a live person in order to cancel the subscription.”

The FTC also noted that customers who signed up for a service online should be able to “click to cancel,” and those who enrolled in person should have the option to cancel online or over the phone.

But Brett said the rule impacts every stage of the subscription relationship between businesses and consumers.

For example, it requires businesses to disclose all necessary material information about the product (including features of the plan, deadlines, and specific costs) clearly and without misrepresentation.

Essentially, customers have to know what exactly it is they’re agreeing to before companies can start charging them.

“This rule now makes it clear that you can’t collect the customer’s billing information until after you’ve disclosed all the terms of relationship with them,” Brett said. "

[TheButcher]

On the face of it I like it, so many times when I have tried to cancel a subscription it has been a circle jerk of click here, verify this email, click this ....... and I am not talking adult sites but regular sites.

[tacnet]

I agree, this is a good thing.

Ive seen sites where you have to ring up customer services in order to cancel !

[jag]

This is a good way to run any website business.

[Affman]

About time some websites give you a hard time cancelling a free trial.

[tacoman]

It is totally common sense. Who can fight this ruling and why?

[LookyLou]

Simple is good business

[HeidiHoe]

About time some websites give you a hard time cancelling a free trial.

That's why I use privacy.com when I sign up in places that I don't plan on keeping. You can create single use card numbers or cards tied to a single merchant. You attach a funding source (bank account) that will ultimately be charged and you can create and delete cards at will. If you have issues canceling a membership simply delete the card at privacy.com and they won't be able to charge you. I'm sure getting canceled won't be an issue anymore. I've been using their free tier for years.

[BrentG]

It is a good move for everyone

[LuKenGas]

Any time the FTC makes an announcement I ask myself, why what do they get out of it, I suppose fines is the answer, what you guys think.

[greatpornlinks]

Great idea go for it FTC