Japanese panel proposes ban on efforts to obstruct subscription cancellations
( September 10, 2026, 02:46 GMT | Official Statement) -- MLex Summary: A Japanese Consumer Affairs Agency panel proposed Wednesday to prohibit businesses from obstructing consumers from canceling subscription services, amid growing consumer complaints about such services. The expert panel recommended amending the Consumer Contract Act to ban conduct that hinders cancellations, including threatening or pressuring consumers not to cancel, and to establish rules governing cancellation fees. Japanese media reported that the agency is considering submitting amendments to the Consumer Contract Act and the Act on Specified Commercial Transactions to parliament early next year, both aimed at addressing “dark patterns” that can distort consumer decision-making through website designs and other means.The statement is attached (in Japanese). ...
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