News/Media Alliance Submits Comments on Massachusetts Proposed Regulations on Junk Fees and Auto-Renewal Subscriptions

The News/Media Alliance submitted comments on December 20 regarding the Massachusetts Attorney’s General’s proposed regulations to prohibit hidden “junk fees” and to impose new requirements on auto-renewing subscriptions and trial offers. In several key areas, the Proposed Regulation is inconsistent with the general approach taken by other states, including an extremely short and unworkable time frame for sending automatic renewal notices and a requirement to allow phone cancellation without customer authentication.  The Alliance proposed several modifications to promote consistency with other states, protect consumers, and ensure workable subscription practices for publishers and other businesses. A hearing was also held on December 20 and the Alliance will continue to monitor developments.