Cottbus: Abitur with 10 - a price of fame or family peace?

Cottbus: Abitur with 10 - a price of fame or family peace?

In a pioneering decision, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) assessed on October 5, 2023 about the right of withdrawal in online subscriptions, especially for free test phases. This could be important for many consumers, especially for those who register on platforms such as "sofatutor". These learning services often offer free use, which then automatically transfers into a paid subscription.

The specific case occurred when an Austrian consumer completed a 30-day trial subscription on this platform. The catch: the subscription extension (t) e automatically if not terminated in time. This practice is not new and repeatedly causes displeasure on the side of the consumers. In fact, the provider clearly pointed out the automatic extension, which was essential in the judgment of the ECJ. It was decided that a second right of withdrawal does not exist after the trial period, unless consumers were not expressly informed about the automatic conversion.

important requirements for providers

The ECJ made it clear that consumers had to be comprehensively informed. Accordingly, it is crucial for providers to point out the conditions of the test phase, including the duration, costs and notice periods. In addition, the right of withdrawal for free subscriptions can only be exercised once.

But what does it look like in everyday life? Consumers should read through the conditions of trial subscriptions exactly, because a wrong notice period can be expensive. It is particularly important that consumers are no longer right of withdrawal in digital content that begins with consent. Live events and individualized content are also affected.

The meaning for digital business

For companies, this means that clear communication is the be -all and end -all. The corresponding legal requirements must be observed in order to avoid legal problems. The providers are obliged to meet their documentation obligation and to inform about the cancellation periods and possible value, especially if the consumer uses the services prematurely.

The decision of the ECJ could also have an impact on upcoming lawsuits. Consumer protection associations observe the development with eyes and continue to work for fairer conditions. This judgment could influence the framework for many business models in the digital space.

This by the time is important to be well informed when it comes to digital subscriptions and the associated rights. A look at the general terms and conditions can sometimes be worth gold, and that is exactly what every consumer should do to avoid nasty surprises.

For more information on this topic and the legal framework, interested readers can be the extensive details that the Lawyers' office Himburg as well as the offer law firm Kotz .