ExpressVPN is now facing a class-action suit brought by a customer, Millar, in June of this year. The lawsuit alleges that the company has illegally charged customers auto-renewal fees without permission. Read together, it claims these actions are “unlawful” in connection with the subscription service. Our legal action together with our partners underscores long standing concerns about the dangerous subscription practices pervasive in online services sector.
Millar contends that ExpressVPN’s auto-renewal charges have not only been misleading but non-compliant with California’s “Auto Renewal Law” (ARL). As the ARL requires, information should be provided to consumers in a “clear and conspicuous” manner about auto-renewal terms. Further, they need to obtain “affirmative consent” from consumers before initiating any recurring payments. The lawsuit alleges that ExpressVPN failed to adequately disclose to customers that their subscriptions would automatically renew. This left consumers still getting billed even after their first one-month plan expired.
Legal Background and Customer Claims
California’s Auto Renewal Law is a good example of how consumer protection laws can protect people from surprise charges related to subscription services. That’s why the law requires clear disclosures in subscription contracts so that customers understand the terms of the renewal before entering into the agreement. Millar’s legal team contends that ExpressVPN’s practices run afoul of these requirements, claiming that customers have been charged without their consent.
According to the lawsuit, as few as 15% of their customers were properly informed that their subscription would automatically renew—leading to billing without consent. Millar’s lawyers argue that refunds are necessary and alleged that the fees billed by ExpressVPN “ought to be refunded.” The ongoing case marks a dark, broader trend around consumer rights in the fast-growing digital subscription ecosystem, where transparency and informed consent should reign.
Industry Comparisons and Implications
The problems complained of in this lawsuit are not unique. The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has taken a firm stance against similar practices, successfully prompting major companies like Nintendo and Sony to revise their auto-renewal systems. In sharp contrast, companies such as Apple take steps to proactively inform subscribers that their subscriptions will soon expire. They ask for affirmative consent to renew, creating an elegant, user-friendly experience.
So, if ExpressVPN has really failed to live up to these standards, it has drawn a storm of criticism. With this lawsuit, the company is now looking for other like-minded plaintiffs to join Millar in this proposed class-action lawsuit. They argue that many more customers were harmed by these same unlawful practices.
Looking Ahead
Along with consequences for epiphanies As this legal process develops, the potential consequences for ExpressVPN could be significant. If Millar and other plaintiffs succeed in proving their case, it may lead to further scrutiny of auto-renewal practices across the industry. The result would lead the way for all subscription services to provide clear and meaningful notices to their customers about renewal and cancellation terms.
