Policy: How Cities And States Are Fighting Subscription Traps
Summary
This episode examines the rise of subscription traps and junk fees, highlighting New York City’s new “click-to-cancel” rule that mandates equal ease for signing up and canceling services. Host Jen White interviews NYC official Michael Tiger and experts Heather Timmons and Pat Garofalo about the bipartisan push for consumer protection amid a federal regulatory vacuum. The discussion covers how states are stepping in to curb deceptive practices, the impact on businesses, and why consumers often struggle to cancel unwanted recurring charges.
Topics discussed
Introduction to subscription traps and NYC's new ban
Sponsor messages and podcast promos
Interview with NYC official on subscription rule details
Regulating junk fees in rentals and other sectors
Enforcement challenges and staffing the consumer agency
Sponsor messages and podcast promos
Guests discuss bipartisan support for click-to-cancel laws
Industry pushback and the 'patchwork' regulation argument
Impact on small businesses and franchise owners
Listener stories on difficult cancellations and FTC history
Sponsor message for Grainger
Listener stories and the role of state attorneys general
Corporate consolidation and the Ticketmaster lawsuit
Signs of junk fees and the decline of consumer watchdogs
Closing remarks and upcoming podcast promos
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