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CMA takes enforcement action against subscription services using dark patterns to prevent cancellation — News

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) announced formal enforcement proceedings in October 2026 against three online subscription service providers — unnamed at the investigation stage — whose cancellation processes the CMA alleges breach the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 (CPRs). The proceedings follow a 2025 market study that found a significant minority of subscription services use "dark patterns" — interface designs that make cancellation deliberately difficult.

The alleged practices. The CMA's provisional findings include: burying cancellation options behind multiple screens and requiring telephone contact when subscription was possible online; using pre-ticked "stay subscribed" options during cancellation; failing to provide a clear cancellation deadline for free trials; and automatically renewing annual subscriptions without adequate advance notice. Each of these potentially constitutes an "aggressive commercial practice" under Regulation 7 of the CPRs or an unfair commercial practice under Regulation 3.

Legal background. The Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013 require clear cancellation information to be given before subscription. Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, digital subscription services that do not perform as described give consumers the right to a price reduction or refund. If you believe you are being trapped in a subscription you have tried to cancel, contact the trader in writing first and keep a record. Unresolved complaints can be escalated to Citizens Advice or reported to the CMA at Trading Standards. See also the earlier news item on subscription cancellation rules and the your rights on digital content article.

This item summarises a legal development for general information only. It is not legal advice. Always check the official text and, for your own situation, consult a qualified lawyer.

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