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.
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.