The Stop Subscription Traps Act

In the United States, it will be illegal for companies to charge monthly subscription fees to unlock physical hardware features, like heated car seats, that are already built into a product you bought. Any business offering a recurring digital subscription must provide a simple, one-click cancellation button that is immediately visible on the user’s main account page. Software companies will be legally required to offer a permanent, one-time purchase option for their programs alongside their monthly rental models. To put an end to planned obsolescence, technology manufacturers must make original repair parts, tools, and service manuals available to the general public at fair market prices. All free trials will automatically cancel at the end of their promotional period instead of silently charging your credit card, unless you actively choose to stay subscribed. Companies will be strictly banned from raising the price of an active, ongoing subscription without getting clear, manual approval from the user first. Consumers will also be granted the legal right to pass down purchased digital libraries, like downloaded movies and video games, to their families when they pass away. Finally, any corporation caught using manipulative website designs, known as dark patterns, to trick users into accidental purchases will face a mandatory fine equal to 5% of their total annual revenue.