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The Guardian - US
The Guardian - US
World
Heather Timmons

EXPLAINED: New york city seeks to implement ban on deceptive subscription practices | Vintage Vibes

a man speak into a microphone next to another man
Zohran Mamdani stands next to Sam Levine, commissioner of consumer and worker protection, at a press conference in New York City on 21 January 2026. Photograph: Anthony Behar/Sipa US via Alamy

New York City has adopted a rule that bans companies from using deceptive subscriptions to trap customers into paying for gym memberships, streaming services and other recurring charges, the city’s consumer protection office said.

The rule, which will start on 1 October, promises hefty fines and aggressive enforcement for violators. Companies that do not provide a simple way to cancel could pay $525 per user subscription, back fees and additional fines.

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