Before the close of the spring session, a draft law is expected to reach the State Duma. The measure targets Internet services, including online cinemas and music streaming platforms, requiring them to notify users about subscription charges via push messages or emails. This move aims to make price changes and billing clearer for subscribers and to reduce surprises on monthly renewals. The news outlet Kommersant reports the development of the document has been underway for some time, signaling that this issue is moving from discussion to formal consideration. (Kommersant)
According to the report, the original intent of the notification was to provide an opt-out option by including a prominent unsubscribe button. In the current version of the bill, however, the unsubscribe button is removed. Instead, services would be obligated to present a direct link to the user agreement and other subscription-related information whenever a notification is sent. The design shifts from a quick opt-out choice to a requirement for users to review contractual details before any cancellation decisions can be made. (Kommersant)
The authors of the article note that the project’s progress has faced significant pushback from the business community, which argues that the proposed requirements could complicate product design and affect user experience. The debate touches on consumer rights, the economics of digital services, and how best to balance transparency with technical practicality. (Kommersant)
Historically, the policy discussion around notification practices is not new in the regulatory landscape. In related contexts, regulatory bodies have sometimes framed blocking or throttling of services as enforcement leverage, a dynamic that has caught the attention of consumer advocates and industry players alike. Observers see this bill as part of a broader push toward clearer subscription terms and more predictable billing behavior for internet users. (Kommersant)