Andrade Makes It Easier for Consumers to Cancel Online Subscription Services

SPRINGFIELD, Ill – A new law championed by state Rep. Jaime Andrade, Jr., D-Chicago, that makes it easier for individuals who pay for subscription services to cancel them is now in effect.

“Technology has made it simple for people to purchase entertainment, news, cable, internet and other information online and especially on our phones,” said Andrade. “However, we must remain vigilant against dubious consumer practices to ensure people are not victims of companies that intentionally make it hard to cancel a subscription and pay for a service they no longer want.”

Andrade’s House Bill 3955 requires companies that offer automatic or continuous online services to provide a straightforward method for a customer to cancel a paid subscription. Specifically, it includes making the process exclusively online or by email. This comes as part of Andrade’s longtime efforts to hold businesses like accountable for engaging in deceptive practices and placing their customers in a difficult position to navigate ending a service. The law is effective immediately.

“People should not have to feel trapped when it comes to ending a relationship with a product they feel they no longer need,” said Andrade. “Preventing companies from placing their customers in a difficult position to navigate ending a service comes as my latest effort to protect Illinois customers from unclear and problematic business practices.”