Else Beekman
Spain’s Ministry of Consumer Affairs plans to end auto-renewals for digital services. This affects platforms such as Spotify, Amazon Prime, video games, apps, and other subscriptions. The idea is simple: stop charging people for things they no longer want.
Under the new rules, companies must alert customers 15 days before renewal. That message should say when the contract ends and what happens if nothing is done. This gives users a fair chance to cancel.
Helping people stay in control
Minister Pablo Bustinduy says the reform aims to support more mindful spending. Many people still pay for subscriptions they forgot about. Meanwhile, others struggle to get clear answers from automated systems.
By introducing a mandatory reminder, the ministry hopes to reduce these silent charges. The measure should also make it easier to manage online contracts.
Part of a wider consumer shake-up
This change is part of the Consumer Services Act, currently under debate in the Spanish Congress. Sumar and the PSOE jointly proposed the amendment.
The law also addresses customer service complaints. It bans companies from using automated-only systems. At least 95% of calls must be handled by a real person in under three minutes.
If passed, the new law would mark a real shift for consumers in Spain. It responds to frustration over hard-to-cancel services and a lack of human support.
What this means for consumers
If you subscribe to multiple digital services, now is a good time to check your renewal settings. Go to your account pages and look for terms like subscription, billing, or auto-renewal. You may find services you no longer use.
When this law takes effect, it’s important to read every pre-renewal notice carefully. These alerts can help you avoid surprise charges and manage your digital spending more easily.
Official statement from the Ministry
According to Spain’s Ministry of Consumer Affairs, the reform aims to ensure that consumers make conscious choices and are not caught off guard by automatic renewals. The Ministry emphasises the importance of transparency and adequate information in customer service to prevent unwanted charges. (Cadena SER)
How Spain compares with other EU countries
In several EU nations, such as Germany and the Netherlands, legislation already requires companies to clearly inform users about renewals and provide easy cancellation options. Spain’s planned reform follows this trend, aiming to bring its digital consumer protections in line with broader European standards.
Consulted sources: CadenaSer
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