The UK government is fixing subscription hell, and now the US needs to catch up

On April 2 the UK announced new rules to tackle subscription traps, making it easier to cancel subscriptions, exit free trials and avoid auto‑renewals.

The rules are part of DMCCA 2024 and take effect in Spring 2027; companies must provide clear pre‑signup information and send reminders before free trials end or 12‑month renewals auto‑renew.

If signed up online, cancellations must be possible online without calling helplines; a 14‑day cooling period applies after a free trial ends or after an automatic long‑term renewal.

UK consumers are expected to save about £400 million a year; there are 155 million active subscriptions and nearly 10 million are believed to be unwanted.

Government data: over 3.5 million people have been moved from free/discount trials into paid contracts and about 1.3 million are caught by unexpected auto‑renewals; unwanted subscriptions cost ~£14/month or ~£170/year per person; protections kick in in 2027.