Court Blocks 'Click-to-Cancel' Rule, Leaving Consumers Stuck in Subscription Traps

A federal appeals court has struck down the Federal Trade Commission's 'click-to-cancel' rule, which was designed to make it easier for consumers to cancel unwanted subscriptions online. The rule, set to take effect soon, faced opposition from businesses and was blocked just days before implementation. As a result, Americans are likely to continue wasting hundreds of dollars annually on subscriptions they no longer use, with cancelation processes remaining complicated and time-consuming. Lawmakers, particularly Democrats, are now pushing for new legislation and urging the FTC to find alternative ways to protect consumers. In the meantime, experts recommend consumers take proactive steps to monitor and manage their subscriptions.