The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has adopted a ‘click to cancel’ rule, which aims to make it easier for people to end subscriptions.
It will force companies to make subscription sign-ups and cancellations equally straightforward.
Businesses, including retailers and gyms, will also have to get consent from customers before renewing subscriptions or converting free trials into paid memberships.
The new rule is due to come into effect in around six months’ time.
So, I have significant hearing loss. Phone calls remove most of the lower sound frequencies that I’m able to hear well. Trying to talk to an Indian woman speaking quickly on the phone is nearly impossible. I am so happy for this change. Requiring phone calls for service is an accessibility issue.
I don’t know if you already know, but if you’re in the US, the FCC has a program to provide captioned telephone service at low or no cost: https://www.fcc.gov/cts
The design there is basically the telephony equivalent to dark patterns. Like endless IVR loops. Throw as many roadblocks in the way of someone trying to cancel while not technically making it impossible: outsource your cancellation department and make sure they use a lossy codec so everything sounds like mud. Then the agent will try to beg you off for another month and, if successful, the thought of having that horrible experience again will discourage you from taking action.