FTC unsubscribing proposal

[Tampa8]

Would affect most all subscriptions done online .. (Not just DISH)
Reading other sites all including to programming like adding HBO to a cable account etc..

• A simple cancellation mechanism: If consumers are unable to easily leave any program when they want to, the negative option feature becomes nothing more than a way to continue charging them for products they no longer want. To address this issue, the proposed rule would require businesses to make it at least as easy to cancel a subscription as it was to start it. For example, if you can sign up online, you must be able to cancel on the same website, in the same number of steps.

• New requirements before making additional offers: The proposed rule would allow sellers to pitch additional offers or modifications when a consumer tries to cancel their enrollment. But before making such pitches, sellers must first ask consumers whether they want to hear them. In other words, a seller must take “no” for an answer and upon hearing “no” must immediately implement the cancellation process.
• New requirements regarding reminders and confirmations: The proposed rule would require sellers to provide an annual reminder to consumers enrolled in negative option programs involving anything other than physical goods, before they are automatically renewed.

Federal Trade Commission Proposes Rule Provision Making it Easier for Consumers to “Click to Cancel” Recurring Subscriptions and Memberships

The Federal Trade Commission today proposed a “click to cancel” provision requiring sellers to make it as easy for consumers to cancel their enrollment as it was to sign up.

www.ftc.gov

 

[drwatson618]

This is interesting.


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[Radioguy41]

A welcome idea but only as good as the enforcement level. Emailers are required to provide an opt-out link in every email. Well, some do and some don't and some that do don't work anyway so if it isn't enforced with very real penalties it's worthless. In other words the good guys will probably adhere to the rule and the shady guys won't and nothing will happen to them to nudge them in the right direction.

Here's a link to the email opt out law. How many emails have you received that didn't comply?

CAN-SPAM Act: A Compliance Guide for Business

 

[Tampa8]

A welcome idea but only as good as the enforcement level. Emailers are required to provide an opt-out link in every email. Well, some do and some don't and some that do don't work anyway so if it isn't enforced with very real penalties it's worthless. In other words the good guys will probably adhere to the rule and the shady guys won't and nothing will happen to them to nudge them in the right direction.

Here's a link to the email opt out law. How many emails have you received that didn't comply?

CAN-SPAM Act: A Compliance Guide for Business

Quite a difference of emailers, probably spammers in alot of cases not following the rules sending it to a private email, to in many instances major businesses with an online presence not doing it. Imagine if SiriusXM, Comcast etc did not do it, the amount of complaints the FTC would receive?
Even smaller companies like for VPN, virus blockers etc etc or anything would be exposed eventually. In anything obviously some get away with things but this will be a little harder for legit online subscriptions.

 

[DishSubLA]

This has been law in California for a while, but since when, I do not know. Yes, this proposed rule by the FTC makes sense, but I would rather see Congress pass such a law to be certain it stays regardless of whatever Administration takes over the White House.