Governor Gavin Newsom said signed California’s “click to cancel” Assembly Bill 286 by law to make it easier for consumers to unsubscribe. bill, presented In April 2024, it forces companies that allow online or in-app sign-ups to also allow online or in-app unsubscribes.
“AB 2863 is the most comprehensive ‘Click to Cancel’ law to ensure that Californians can cancel unwanted automatic subscription renewals as easily as they signed up,” said California Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo.
Like many others, you’ve signed up for something online and when you go to cancel it, you’re presented with a phone number. You’ll then have to wait an hour before you’re allowed to convince the person on the other end of the line that you can cancel the subscription that took five seconds to sign up for. California’s new bill is designed to prevent such behavior, though companies have until mid-2025 to comply.
Adobe is one of the most notable examples of this behavior, especially since its subscriptions can cost as much as $60 a month. Earlier this year, the FTC sued the company over early termination fees and barriers to unsubscribing, calling the practices “unlawful.”
There is an FTC proposed a similar law It will be implemented in the US last year, but the final rule is still to come. In the meantime, if you’re having trouble canceling your Engadget subscription, a guide on how to do this with commonly used plans.
