Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued a consumer alert today regarding the imminent compliance deadline for the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) new “Click-to-Cancel” Rule. Businesses have until May 14, 2025, to implement this rule, which simplifies the process for consumers to cancel recurring subscriptions and memberships online.
The rule, which took effect on January 14, 2025, requires businesses that allow online sign-ups to provide an equally straightforward online cancellation method. This development follows Attorney General Brown’s advocacy for amending an existing FTC rule in June 2023 to better protect consumers from deceptive auto-renewal practices.
The “Click-to-Cancel” Rule aims to rectify the often complex and confusing processes that consumers face when attempting to monitor or cancel online memberships. This rule complements the FTC’s Negative Option Rule, ensuring consumers are fully informed of the terms of any offer, safeguarded against unwanted charges, and can easily cancel subscriptions, ultimately saving time and money.
For further details on the “Click-to-Cancel” Rule, consumers can access the published rule in the Federal Register or visit the FTC’s official document at FTC’s Negative Option Rule.
Consumers interested in receiving more consumer alerts can subscribe at Maryland Attorney General’s Office Subscription Page.
