Disclaimer: The views or positions expressed below are my own
and do not represent the views or positions of the Commissioner of
Competition, the Competition Bureau of Canada, or the Government of
Canada.
New York State legislature recently passed two consumer
protection bills in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. As
subscription products and services are readily available online,
there is a risk that consumers may face ongoing charges on their
accounts without their consent. Passed in July 2020, Bill S01475A
prohibits businesses from making an automatic renewal or a
continuous service offer to consumers in New York. In these
circumstances, businesses must provide "clear and
conspicuous" disclosures, which includes several elements.
First, businesses must clearly state that the subscription will
continue until the consumer cancels. This includes providing
details of the cancellation policy, and a costeffective, timely,
and easy-to-use mechanism for cancellation (e.g.
