SHUTTERSTOCK PAYS $35M FOR HARD-TO-CANCEL SUBS

The FTC found that Shutterstock employed dark patterns to obstruct subscription cancellations, requiring customers to navigate multiple steps and unclear procedures to end their memberships. Specific violations included: - Hiding cancellation options in hard-to-find locations - Failing to provide simple, direct cancellation methods - Requiring phone calls or additional verification steps unavailable during sign-up - Continuing to charge customers after cancellation requests Under the settlement, Shutterstock must implement straightforward cancellation processes matching the ease of subscription signup. The company must also notify affected customers and provide refunds where applicable. This case reflects growing FTC enforcement against "dark patterns" across tech and subscription services. The agency has increased scrutiny of companies that make cancellation intentionally burdensome, viewing such practices as deceptive and unfair to consumers.