NYC Cracks Down On Subscription Traps

NEW YORK, NY— A proposed rule could strengthen New Yorkers’ “Click to Cancel” rights and curb deceptive subscription practices.

The rule would require businesses to make subscription cancellations as easy as sign-ups, applying to automatic renewals and continuous service offers.

Violators could face civil fines starting at $525 and restitution to consumers.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Samuel A.A. Levine, the City's Department of Consumer and Worker Protection commissioner, announced the proposed rule Wednesday.

“If you can sign up with a click, you must be able to cancel with one," Mamdani said.

The proposed rule opens a 30-day public comment period, including a public hearing.

The rule builds on Executive Order 10, “Fighting Subscription Tricks and Traps,” which directs DCWP to address misleading subscription practices.

The rule targets common abuses, including “free trials” that automatically convert into paid subscriptions and confusing multi-step cancellation processes.

It also requires clear disclosures affirming consumer rights at the time of purchase or enrollment.