by Thinus Ferreira
To cancel video streaming subscriptions like Netflix will now become easier for Americans and through that likely for consumers in the rest of the world as well.
According to American news reports, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has received over 16 000 complaints from consumers who've said they struggle and feel trapped when trying to cancel online subscriptions like those for video-on-demand (VOD) services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and the like.
After the avalanche of complaints, the FTC has now introduced a "click-to-cancel" regulation which will come into effect in six months.
The Washington Post reports that according to "click-to-cancel" consumers must be able to cancel digital subscriptions in it takes to sign up for them.
Lina M. Khan, FTC commission chairperson, in a statement said "Too often, businesses make people jump through endless hoops just to cancel a subscription. The FTC's rule will end these tricks and traps, saving Americans time and money. Nobody should be stuck paying for a service they no longer want".
"The FTC's updated rule will apply to almost all negative option programmes in any media."
According to NPR, the click-to-cancel will be enforced for anything from gym memberships to satellite pay-TV.