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FTC announces "click-to-cancel" rule making it easier to cancel subscriptions

ftc.gov

21–30 of 793 posts

Re: FTC announces "click-to-cancel" rule making it easier to cancel subscriptions

#21
post #4

Passed 3-2 along party lines. Remember this when you're going to vote. Elections matter.

How could ANYBODY vote against this?

Mental models are tricky. Some people believe there is a right to pull a fast one on others or make their life hard in the name of revenue or business.

As coldpie said:

> Remember this when you're going to vote. Elections matter.

(high empathy justice sensitive human)

Re: FTC announces "click-to-cancel" rule making it easier to cancel subscriptions

#22
post #5

Does the FTC actually have the power to set rules like this effectively now that Chevron deference isn't a thing? I'd imagine e.g. the New York Times, among others, will quickly sue to stop this, no?

Chevron deference is about statutory interpretation so it really depends on the statue they are doing it under and any ambiguities that arise around the ability to do this. It may be clearly covered or it may not be, we would have to look. And if there are ambiguities it may go the way of the FTC, but since Chevron is gone, not automatically.

Re: FTC announces "click-to-cancel" rule making it easier to cancel subscriptions

#23

Honestly, this is the best thing if it changes the worst experience I've had cancelling something - Gyms. They make it crazy easy to sign up, but a pain in the ass to stop being a member (for example, if you move and forget to cancel good luck - they want you to come in and talk to the manager in a lot of cases)

How did it even evolve into such a mess? Cannot you just go to random gym, pay for enterance and do ya thing without signing stuff?

Gyms making you jump through hoops to cancel your contract is a feature, not a bug.

Re: FTC announces "click-to-cancel" rule making it easier to cancel subscriptions

#24
post #5

Does the FTC actually have the power to set rules like this effectively now that Chevron deference isn't a thing? I'd imagine e.g. the New York Times, among others, will quickly sue to stop this, no?

The rule wasn't adopted with unanimity and one of the FTC Commissioners (Melissa Holyoak) issued a dissenting statement that basically - with Chevron - will serve as a blueprint for contesting its adoption. [0] If the past is a guide to the future, it can be expected that the 5th Circuit will be the first out of the gate with a ruling.

[0] https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/ftc_gov/pdf/holyoak-dissent...

Re: FTC announces "click-to-cancel" rule making it easier to cancel subscriptions

#26
post #7
post #5

Does the FTC actually have the power to set rules like this effectively now that Chevron deference isn't a thing? I'd imagine e.g. the New York Times, among others, will quickly sue to stop this, no?

NYTimes already allows cancelling online for most subscriptions, so I imagine this won't be a big issue for them.

That depends on what state you're in right? (i.e. California customers can cancel online, but Wisconsin ones need to talk to an agent)

Re: FTC announces "click-to-cancel" rule making it easier to cancel subscriptions

#27
post #7
post #5

Does the FTC actually have the power to set rules like this effectively now that Chevron deference isn't a thing? I'd imagine e.g. the New York Times, among others, will quickly sue to stop this, no?

NYTimes already allows cancelling online for most subscriptions, so I imagine this won't be a big issue for them.

Last time I tried it their process is not easy at all.

Re: FTC announces "click-to-cancel" rule making it easier to cancel subscriptions

#28
There are so many things like this that have needed fixing for such a long time. The fact that something is happening, even slowly, is so heartening.

If your reaction is wondering if this is legal then you should be interested in the passing of new laws that make it unequivocally legal. Society should be able to govern itself.

Re: FTC announces "click-to-cancel" rule making it easier to cancel subscriptions

#30

Honestly, this is the best thing if it changes the worst experience I've had cancelling something - Gyms. They make it crazy easy to sign up, but a pain in the ass to stop being a member (for example, if you move and forget to cancel good luck - they want you to come in and talk to the manager in a lot of cases)

In these cases, can we not issue a chargeback via our credit card? Or put some sort of block on transactions from a particular source?

Seems silly to just accept virtually un-cancellable terms.

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