TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan is set to ban the use of pre-selected consent for automatic renewal payments in online retail subscription services to strengthen e-commerce consumer protection.
The draft amendment follows complaints from consumers about e-commerce platform Coupang, where users said they were charged NT$59 (US$1.90) membership fees without knowingly subscribing. Some also reported discovering the charges only after receiving bills and said cancellation was difficult, according to CNA.
The Administration for Digital Industries said the rise of subscription-based business models has improved convenience. However, it has also led some companies to rely on pre-ticked consent boxes or default agreements.
The agency warned that such practices can result in consumers being enrolled in automatic renewal and billing systems without explicit approval, raising concerns over consumer rights and dispute resolution. It said it has completed stakeholder consultations and drafted revisions to regulations governing standard contract terms for online retail transactions.
The proposal has undergone public notice and is expected to be submitted to the Consumer Protection Committee in June for review. Under the draft, businesses would be prohibited from assuming consumer consent to automatic renewal.
Charging renewal fees would also require prior notice. Companies would be required to clearly disclose key subscription terms before purchase or consent, including renewal periods, billing amounts, billing cycles and cancellation procedures.
Cancellation processes would be required to remain accessible and straightforward. The rules would apply to online retail subscription services regulated by authorities, including platforms such as Shopee, Coupang, and Momo memberships.
