HP0671, LD 943, item 1, An Act Regarding the Cancellation of Subscription Services

An Act Regarding the Cancellation of Subscription Services

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:

Sec. 1. 10 MRSA c. 208-C is enacted to read:

CHAPTER 208-C

SUBSCRIPTIONS

§ 1299. Cancellation of subscriptions

1. Definitions. As used in this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings.

A. "Automatic renewal subscription" means an agreement to provide any of the following goods or services for a specified time and price that is automatically renewed at the end of a definite term for a subsequent term unless the consumer cancels the agreement:

(1) Online magazines, journals and periodicals;

(2) Online media players;

(3) Mobile apps;

(4) Social networking services; and

(5) Internet game services.

B. "Internet game service" means an online service that provides information, software, data, text, photographs, graphics, audio or video that may be accessed by a consumer on a paid subscription basis for the purpose of allowing that consumer to play a single-player or multiplayer game through the Internet or to download a game for that consumer to play offline. "Internet game service" does not include online gambling or other gaming in which a person participates to win money.

C. "Mobile app" means a software application designed to be operated on a mobile device such as a smartphone.

D. "Online media player" means an online service that delivers audio or video content.

E. "Social networking service" means an online service that facilitates the building of social relations and the sharing of information among specified groups of people.

2. Method of cancellation of automatic renewal subscription. A business that makes an automatic renewal subscription offer to a consumer in this State shall present that consumer with an easily accessible disclosure of the methods that consumer may use to cancel the subscription. One of the methods of cancellation must provide for online cancellation of the subscription by any means of communicating information over a computer network.

3. Exception. This section does not apply to an entity that provides the host platform on the website of an Internet game service.

4. Violation. A violation of this section is a violation of the Maine Unfair Trade Practices Act.

Sec. 2. Application. This Act applies only to an agreement entered into or renewed after January 1, 2018 under which a business makes an automatic renewal subscription offer to a consumer in this State.

summary

This bill requires a business that makes an automatic renewal subscription offer of an online magazine, journal or periodical, online media player, mobile app, social networking service or Internet game service to present a consumer in this State with an easily accessible disclosure of the methods that consumer may use to cancel the subscription, which must include online cancellation.

The bill only applies to agreements entered into or renewed after January 1, 2018 and does not apply to an entity that provides the host platform on the website of an Internet game service.

HP0671 LD 943	Session - 128th Maine Legislature		LR 171 Item 1
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