Netflix: How to cancel your subscription; Know here

This rule was made by the US Trade Committee (FTC) and its name was “Click to Cancel”. It was to be implemented from July 14, i.e. today. Its purpose was that just like you subscribe in one click, you can cancel in one click as well.

New Delhi: A US court has canceled a rule that was going to allow people to easily cancel subscriptions of apps like Netflix, Prime Video, Disney + and HBO Max.

This rule was made by the US Trade Committee (FTC) and its name was “Click to Cancel”. It was to be implemented from July 14, i.e. today. Its purpose was that just like you subscribe in one click, you can cancel in one click as well. But now this rule will not be implemented, that is, companies will not be forced to adopt such a system.

Why did the court stop it?

The court says that the FTC did not analyze the necessary economic impact before implementing this rule. Therefore, now this rule has been postponed indefinitely. This means that now there is no legal obligation on streaming companies to provide an easy cancellation process.

What can change now?

Today, even though you can cancel a subscription with a few clicks from apps like Netflix, without regulations, these companies can make cancellation difficult if they want. Companies can hide the cancel button, require a phone call or email, ask for confirmation again and again.

This has happened before, in 2023, it took 6 clicks and 15 confirmations to cancel Amazon Prime Video. The FTC had also filed a case against Amazon at that time, which is still going on.

Anxiety increased among subscribers in India too?

Although this court decision has been made in America, it can also affect countries like India. If big companies adopt similar systems all over the world, then “canceling” can become a tough job in India too. In a price-sensitive market like India, people often subscribe for a month and then cancel. If this process becomes difficult, then money will keep getting deducted even without use.

How much are people spending on online streaming platforms?

According to a report by Deloitte, the streaming expenditure of an average American family is $61 (about ₹5000) per month. In India too, more people now have subscriptions of more than one app. If cancellation becomes difficult, the monthly bill may increase, and the user's pocket will be directly affected.

What should users do?

Now that the rule preventing streaming companies has been removed, users will have to be more cautious. Read the free trial and renewal rules of every app carefully. Keep a screenshot of cancellation. Check the auto debits in your statement every month.