Munich As a result, the consumer centers warned 152 companies – some because of several objectionable websites. Anyone who concludes a contract on the Internet can terminate it more easily since July. Since then, for so-called continuing obligations, which can be concluded online, the obligation to a termination button applies.
With it, consumers can get rid of their contracts without much searching and letter writing. Examples are mobile phone contracts, subscriptions, contracts with gyms or streaming services.
The button was often completely missing
During the review, which lasted from July 18 to October 14, the consumer centers and other consumer associations had reviewed well-known websites from various industries. In 349 cases, the button was completely missing, in 65 cases it was hidden and in 38 cases it was not labeled correctly. In addition, the auditors of the consumer centers found, according to their own data, 339 other violations. According to the regulations, the cancellation button was only installed on 273 pages.
“We regret that it has not been implemented on so many websites. There was plenty of time for this in advance,” said Tatjana Halm, Head of the Market and Legal Department at the Bavarian Consumer Center. “We hope that improvements will be made immediately on all sides.”
The first effects are already showing. Thus, by November 2, 86 of the warned companies had submitted the required cease-and-desist declaration, the consumer center said. In some cases, courts will also have to decide.
In addition, it was noticed that “some companies that did not receive a warning from us have improved their pages,” said Halm. The examination of websites should continue. Consumers who find defects themselves can report them online to the consumer centers.
