FTC Keeps Tabs on 'Sign-Up Unless You Say No' Subscription Scams
Published Date: 10/14/2026
Notice
Summary
The Federal Trade Commission wants to keep collecting info about how companies use 'negative option' plans—where you’re signed up unless you say no—for three more years. They’re asking the public to share thoughts by December 14, 2026. This affects businesses using these plans and helps protect consumers without adding new costs.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Three‑Year Extension Raises Business Compliance Costs
If you run a business that uses prenotification subscription (negative option) plans, the FTC proposes to reinstate and extend the Rule’s information collection for three more years. The agency estimates about 25 sellers will spend 100 hours each per year (2,500 hours total) to comply and that annual labor costs across those sellers will be about $160,755; estimated non‑labor costs are $0 or de minimis.
Rule Requires Clear Member Disclosures
If you buy from a prenotification subscription (negative option) plan, the restored Rule requires sellers to clearly and conspicuously disclose membership terms and to follow specified procedures before automatically shipping and billing you. The Rule covers plans where a seller will ship merchandise and bill you unless you expressly reject the shipment within a prescribed time.
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Key Dates
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-20970, Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection; Comment Request; Extension
The Federal Trade Commission wants to keep its Contact Lens Rule paperwork going for three more years, helping contact lens prescribers and sellers keep things clear and fair. They’re asking for your thoughts by December 14, 2026. This extension means no big changes or extra costs, just continuing the current process to protect millions of contact lens users.
2026-20143, Rule on Impersonation of Government and Businesses
The FTC is planning new rules to stop scams where fake websites or social media accounts pretend to be the government or real businesses to trick people out of money. This affects online platforms like search engines and social media sites, which may have to change how they handle these impersonation scams. The FTC wants your thoughts by November 30, 2026, before making any final decisions.
2026-20078, Petition for Rulemaking of Malik Tony Singleton
Malik Tony Singleton asked the Federal Trade Commission to create new rules that protect consumers from tricky business practices, especially around automated decisions and keeping records. This could affect anyone who buys stuff or uses services that rely on computers to make choices. People have until October 30, 2026, to share their thoughts, and these changes might make companies more honest and clear, possibly saving consumers money and hassle.
2026-19598, Rules of Practice
The FTC is updating its rules to drop a confusing post-job approval step for former employees, making it easier to hire experts like economists and tech pros. They’re keeping ethics rules but clarifying what happens if someone breaks them. These changes kick in on September 24, 2026, with no new costs, just smoother, fairer rules for everyone involved.
2026-19597, Rules of Practice
The FTC is updating its rules to make things clearer and smoother for everyone involved. These changes affect how staff handle information requests, assign judges, and manage public records, with some new deadlines and procedures starting September 24, 2026. No big money changes here—just smarter, faster government work for businesses and the public.
2026-19289, FleetCor Technologies; Analysis of Proposed Consent Order To Aid Public Comment
FleetCor Technologies is facing charges for unfair business practices, and the FTC has proposed a deal to fix these issues. FleetCor must follow new rules to stop these practices, and the public can share their thoughts by October 22, 2026. This agreement aims to protect customers and keep FleetCor honest without any immediate fines mentioned.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-20970, Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection; Comment Request; Extension
The Federal Trade Commission wants to keep its Contact Lens Rule paperwork going for three more years, helping contact lens prescribers and sellers keep things clear and fair. They’re asking for your thoughts by December 14, 2026. This extension means no big changes or extra costs, just continuing the current process to protect millions of contact lens users.
Next: 2026-20973, Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements Under Office of Management and Budget Review
The Small Business Administration (SBA) is asking for public feedback on its plan to keep collecting info from small businesses involved in SBIR and STTR programs. This info helps track awards and report to Congress every year. If you’re a small business applying or awarded, this affects you—comments are due by November 13, 2026, with no new costs expected.