Binged remembers reporting on a new mandate. It would have made cancelling OTT subscriptions way easier. It was supposed to be a major win for subscribers.
A regulation proposed by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission aimed to make cancelling OTT subscriptions as easy as signing up. A single “Click to Cancel” button with no multi-page puzzles and no frustrating chatbot loops.
But as of now, that consumer-friendly reform has been shelved.
A U.S. federal appeals court has blocked the rule, citing the FTC’s failure to conduct the required economic impact study. So, for now, streaming platforms like Netflix, Disney Plus, Prime Video, and Max don’t need to simplify their cancellation processes.
And they’ve never been in a rush to do so.
In fact, Prime Video was recently under fire because it reportedly took four pages, six clicks, and 15 questions just to cancel the service. Consider how wicked it is. It is a maze designed to frustrate and exhaust the user. The FTC even sued Amazon over this. That lawsuit is still pending.
While this ruling is U.S.-specific, the consequences could spill over globally. Streaming giants use similar designs across markets. If they don’t have to follow simpler rules in one major region, it’s unlikely they’ll do so voluntarily in others, including India.
In a time where subscription fees are piling up and consumers hop platforms based on content or offers, a smooth exit should be a basic feature. But platforms are winning this round by keeping the door open to make cancellation as painful as possible.
It’s another reminder: in the age of digital convenience, opting out remains the hardest click.
We’re hiring!
We are hiring two full-time junior to mid-level writers with the option to work remotely. You need to work a 5-hour shift and be available to write. Interested candidates should email their sample articles to [email protected]. Applications without a sample article will not be considered.
