FTC sues Adobe for hiding fees and inhibiting cancellations (ftc.gov)

Article summary

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is taking action against Adobe for allegedly deceiving consumers by hiding early termination fees and making it difficult to cancel software subscriptions. Adobe's 'annual paid monthly' subscription plan has a 50% early termination fee, which is not clearly disclosed to consumers. The FTC claims that Adobe's practices violate the Restore Online Shoppers' Confidence Act. The agency is seeking to hold Adobe and its executives accountable for these alleged deceptive practices.

Main themes

• Deceptive business practices
• Subscription services
• Consumer protection
• FTC enforcement
• Software industry

What commenters say

• Adobe's business practices are particularly egregious and deserving of regulatory action.
• Other companies, such as SiriusXM and gyms, also engage in deceptive practices that make it difficult for consumers to cancel subscriptions.
• Some commenters have had positive experiences canceling subscriptions with certain companies, suggesting that not all businesses engage in deceptive practices.
• The ability to cancel a subscription should be as easy as signing up, and companies that make cancellation difficult are engaging in anti-consumer behavior.
• Working for a company that engages in unethical practices can be morally complicated, and some employees may feel pressured to overlook or justify such behavior.
• Companies have a legal duty to prioritize profits, which can lead to amoral decision-making and a lack of consideration for consumer welfare.
• Regulatory action, such as class-action lawsuits, can be an effective way to hold companies accountable for deceptive practices and provide restitution to affected consumers.