Grant consumers the right to cancel contracts for goods or services made through remote communication channels such as the internet, email, or telephone.
Definition
Excerpt
(1) The consumer may cancel a distance or off-premises contract at any time in the cancellation period without giving any reason, and without incurring any liability except under these provisions—
(a) regulation 34(3) (where enhanced delivery chosen by consumer);
(b) regulation 34(9) (where value of goods diminished by consumer handling);
(c) regulation 35(5) (where goods returned by consumer);
(d) regulation 36(4) (where consumer requests early supply of service).
(2) The cancellation period begins when the contract is entered into and ends in accordance with regulation 30 or 31.
(3) Paragraph (1) does not affect the consumer’s right to withdraw an offer made by the consumer to enter into a distance or off-premises contract, at any time before the contract is entered into, without giving any reason and without incurring any liability.
Related cases
Viagogo was held liable for failing to provide actual ticket prices, misleading customers about ticket availability, and imposing unfair deadlines for claiming refunds under their guarantee.
CMA held Microsoft liable for unclear upfront terms, difficulty in turning off auto-renewal, and customers unknowingly paying for unused services in their auto-renewing Xbox Live Gold and Game Pass memberships.
Related deceptive patterns
The user is pressured into completing an action because they are presented with a fake time limitation.
The user is pressured into completing an action because they are presented with a fake indication of limited supply or popularity.
The user is misled into believing a product is more popular or credible than it really is, because they were shown fake reviews, testimonials, or activity messages.
The user is enticed with a low advertised price. After investing time and effort, they discover unexpected fees and charges when they reach the checkout.
The user is unknowingly enrolled in a recurring subscription or payment plan without clear disclosure or their explicit consent.
The user finds it easy to sign up or subscribe, but when they want to cancel they find it very hard.