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What to know about new FTC rule making it easier to cancel subscriptions and memberships
The Federal Trade Commission on Wednesday announced it has finalized a proposal known as “click to cancel” that requires companies to make it just as easy to cancel a subscription or service as it is to sign up for it.
The agency said it gets about 70 complaints a day about charges for subscriptions that are too difficult to cancel or that people did not realize they had signed up for to start with.
“Too often, businesses make people jump through endless hoops just to cancel a subscription,” FTC Commission Chair Lina Khan said in a news release. “The FTC’s rule will end these tricks and traps, saving Americans time and money. Nobody should be stuck paying for a service they no longer want.”
FTC commissioners passed the final rule on a 3-2 vote.
Federal Trade Commission
The White House in August said it was looking to combat the often complicated and difficult process to cancel cable subscriptions, gym memberships or other services, part of a broader effort to address common consumer complaints.
The final “click to cancel” rule prohibits sellers from:
When does “click to cancel” take effect?
Most of the provisions take effect 180 days after the rule is published in the Federal Register, according to the FTC.
What’s not to like?
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce opposes the governmentwide initiative, including the FTC’s new subscription rule, accusing the agency on Wednesday of trying to “micromanage business decisions.” The group argues the latest move would increase costs for consumers.
The White House reiterated its support for the rule, issuing a statement on Wednesday from National Economic Adviser Lael Brainard, who called it part of the Biden-Harris administration’s “action to lower costs for consumers.”
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NEW YORK — Drones have been banned from flying over several New Jersey towns, the Federal Aviation Administration confirms to CBS News.
The FAA order covers nearly two dozen towns, including Jersey City, Harrison, Edison, Bayonne and Camden. It will be in effect until Jan. 17.
The order says no unmanned aircraft can operate below 400 feet within one nautical mile of the airspace specified in each area. Additionally, it allows the government to use “deadly force” against the drones if they pose an “imminent security threat.”
“Pilots of aircraft that do not adhere to the procedures in the national security requirements for aircraft operations contained in this section may be intercepted, and/or detained and interviewed by federal, state, or local law enforcement or other government personnel,” the order reads in part.
Several of the zones are centered around infrastructure, like power substations. Others cover areas like the Kearny, New Jersey port and airspace around military installations like Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in South Jersey, or airports such as Newark-Liberty International Airport.
Earlier this month, the Florham Park, New Jersey police chief told residents drone sightings had been reported above “water reservoirs, electric transmission lines, rail stations, police departments, and military installations.”
Where are drones banned in New Jersey?
North Jersey:
- Cedar Grove
- Bridgewater
- North Brunswick
- Metuchen
- South Brunswick
- Edison
- Branchburg
- Sewaren
- Jersey City
- Harrison, Essex County
- Elizabeth
- Bayonne
- Clifton
- Kearny
Central Jersey:
South Jersey:
- Burlington
- Evesham
- Camden
- Gloucester City
- Westampton
- Winslow
- Hancocks Bridge, Salem County
See the full order from the FAA here.
Mysterious drones over New Jersey and beyond
Drones sightings have been reported all month long, first over Morris County, New Jersey and then over several other East Coast states.
Federal, state and local officials have been demanding more information about where they are coming from and what’s being done to stop them. The FBI is leading the investigation and tells CBS News it has received thousands of tips.
While the White House says there is no known threat, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy recently sent a letter to President Joe Biden asking for more federal resources.
On Wednesday, a push from Sen. Chuck Schumer to give local law enforcement more ways to track drones was blocked in the Senate.
Check back soon for the latest updates on this developing story.
contributed to this report.