Subscription services have become a routine part of everyday life, from streaming platforms and fitness apps to meal kits and software. But consumer advocates say many companies have relied on confusing cancellation processes—often called “dark patterns”—to keep customers paying for services they no longer want.
Anyone who has tried to cancel a streaming service, fitness app, or meal delivery subscription knows the frustration of endless menus, hidden buttons, or mandatory phone calls. These tactics, commonly known as “dark patterns,” are designed to keep customers paying longer than they intended. New York is taking direct aim at those practices through its Fiscal Year 2026 budget, which includes stronger consumer protection measures for recurring subscriptions. The new rules could change how businesses across the state handle subscription cancellation while encouraging greater transparency.
