New York City to ban deceptive subscription practices
Points and comments are a snapshot, not live.
New York City bans deceptive subscription practices, including hidden fees and difficult cancellations.
NYC becomes first US city to ban deceptive subscriptions, effective Oct 1. Violators face $525 per subscription fine plus back fees. A proposed rule targets 'junk fees' by requiring total price upfront for all goods and services, including apartments and events. Commissioner Samuel Levine says the goal is to prevent companies from competing on hiding prices. The measures, from Mayor Mamdani's administration, could save NYC residents $162.5M annually. A national 'click-to-cancel' rule was struck down in 2025.
What commenters are saying
Commenters widely criticize The New York Times as a prime offender, noting its forced phone cancellation for non-California residents. Some question enforcement, citing California's restaurant fee carveout. A commenter building a SaaS notes that billing platforms default to retention funnels, not simple cancellations. There is skepticism that junk fee rules will face industry lobbying and carveouts. Another comment highlights Maryland's ban on surveillance pricing but Colorado's governor vetoed a similar ban.