New York City seeks to implement ban on deceptive subscription practices

Rule from Mamdani administration would target streaming services, gym memberships and other recurring charges

New York City is trying to implement a new rule that would ban companies from using deceptive subscriptions to trap customers into paying for gym memberships, streaming services and other recurring charges, the city’s consumer protection office said.

The new rule, which would start 1 October, promises hefty fines and aggressive enforcement for violators. Companies that do not provide a simple way to cancel could pay $525 per user subscription, back fees and additional fines.