Russia Outlaws Unauthorized Auto-Renewals for Online Subscriptions
Starting March 2026, digital services will be barred from charging users for renewals without explicit consent—aimed at stopping charges even after people cancel.
Russia is moving to end shady auto-renewal practices for online subscriptions.
The State Duma has passed a law that fundamentally changes how subscription payments are handled. From March 1, 2026, companies operating in Russia will no longer be allowed to automatically extend paid subscriptions or charge users once they opt out.
Services will also be banned from using saved credit card or e-wallet details for new charges without the customer’s direct approval. Opting out will require only a simple electronic form. Officials say this will prevent situations where people keep paying for services they no longer use.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs has given the measure added weight, declaring that unauthorized withdrawals should be treated as fraud. Cybercrime officials warned of tricks some companies use, such as hiding cancellation buttons, charging tokens even after cards are deleted from accounts, and burying auto-renewal notices in fine print.
The new law is seen as a landmark step toward fair play in Russia’s digital economy. By banning exploitative practices, lawmakers aim to protect consumers’ wallets and increase transparency between IT firms and their customers.
