It is rare to find an accessible service cancellation or unsubscribe page. That unfortunate state of affairs makes it that much harder for people with disabilities to stop receiving ads or paying for ongoing services.
The new ‘Click to Cancel’ rule isn’t just a win for consumer rights. It’s a significant step forward for people with disabilities who, in the past, may have gotten trapped into paying for something and can’t figure out how to cancel it. Canceling a service should not be a maze of multiple steps, intentionally disguised links, or a phone call during very particular hours that is never answered. This unnecessary friction can be particularly challenging for those who use assistive technology or people with cognitive disabilities. The ‘Click to Cancel’ rule brings a sense of empowerment and reduces the burden on these individuals.
Under the new ‘Click to Cancel’ rule, the FTC is mandating that companies offer the same ease of cancellation as they do when signing up. This reduces the frustration and time involved, making it accessible for everyone, including disabled consumers, who often face more hurdles in navigating complicated and frequently inaccessible online experiences.
At its core, this rule promotes fairness and independence, giving people the power to manage their services without unnecessary barriers. It is a small change with a huge impact on creating a more inclusive and user-friendly experience for all.
This is clearly an issue the public cares about since the FTC received over 16,000 submissions during the comment period. That is why this #AccessibilityTriumphThursday award goes to the @FTC for its new “click to cancel’ regulations.