From streaming entertainment to food delivery, we live in an age of introductory offers and subscription services. And while these types of services can make life more convenient and enjoyable, there are some inherent downsides that can befell consumers.

One such downside is what’s commonly referred to as “negative options.” Oftentimes, when a person accepts an introductory offer, they are automatically subscribed to that service. In order to not be automatically subscribed, the consumer would have to subsequently cancel that subscription - the subscription to which they may have not intentionally or knowingly subscribed. Hence, the term “negative option.”

I will be introducing legislation to modernize the Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law (UTPCPL) to impose requirements on these types of transactions. In short, my legislation would turn “negative options” into “positive options.” In other words, the service company would have to clearly and conspicuously provide the consumer with the option to opt into, rather than opt out of, said service. That way the choice is the consumer’s alone, and they will be aware of, and in agreement with, that option and all that it entails.

Please join me by co-sponsoring this timely update to the UTPCPL in providing greater protection, and choice, to Pennsylvanians.

Statutes/Laws affected:
Printer's No. 3601: P.L.1224, No.387
Printer's No. 3679: P.L.1224, No.387