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Jill Dolan

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Most consumers have signed up for subscriptions, automatic deliveries, or free trials that convert into a paid subscription. In this episode of The Crypto Exchange, Carlin McCrory welcomes colleagues Mark Furletti and Jill Dolan to discuss legal and regulatory developments related to autorenewals — the recurring payments for these subscriptions. Our panel examines state and federal laws pertaining to negative option offers, including Section 5 of the FTC Act; recent actions by state attorneys general on autorenewal and cancellation policies; and how companies can ensure compliance with relevant requirements.

Today, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking with the stated intent to make it easier for consumers to cancel recurring subscriptions and memberships. This rulemaking is part of the FTC’s review of its Negative Option Rule. Amongst other things, the proposed rule would increase the coverage of the Negative Option…

Most consumers have signed up for subscriptions, automatic deliveries, or free trials that convert into a paid subscription. In this episode of The Crypto Exchange, Carlin McCrory welcomes colleagues Mark Furletti and Jill Dolan to discuss legal and regulatory developments related to autorenewals — the recurring payments for these subscriptions. Our panel examines state and federal laws pertaining to negative option offers, including Section 5 of the FTC Act; recent actions by state attorneys general on autorenewal and cancellation policies; and how companies can ensure compliance with relevant requirements.

In February, Massachusetts Attorney General Joy Campbell announced a $6.5 million settlement with Safe Home Security, its CEO, and affiliated companies to resolve allegations that their practices violated state consumer protection laws by “trapping Massachusetts consumers in long-term auto renewal contracts” and engaging in illegal debt collection practices, among other activities.

According to the Consent…

Do “negative option” subscription services constitute unfair or deceptive practices under the Consumer Financial Protection Act (CFPA)? According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) in its recent circular, these subscription services may violate the CFPA when a seller: 1) misrepresents or fails to clearly disclose the material terms of the program; (2) fails…

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reached a $100 million settlement with Vonage over allegations that the internet phone service provider violated the FTC and Restore Online Shoppers’ Confidence Act (ROSCA) by adding “junk fees” and using “dark patterns” to make it difficult for consumers to cancel. In addition to the fine that will be used…

On October 13, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) released its 12th Annual Report to Congress on college credit card agreements. The report reviewed agreements and data covering the over 1.2 million student checking and credit card accounts that are governed by partnerships between institutions of higher education and financial services providers, and it highlighted…