SHENZHEN’S consumer rights protection regulation came into force Monday, prohibiting auto-renewable app subscriptions without explicit consumer consent.

The regulation, aiming to address various consumer concerns, has established targeted systems and measures to better protect consumers’ “wallets.”

As per the regulation, online operators are required to seek approval from consumers before providing auto-renewable app subscription services, and such services should not be pre-selected or bundled by default.

Netizens expressed support for the ban, highlighting the need for apps to refrain from automatically charging users, Shenzhen Special Zone Daily reported.

To better safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of online consumers, the regulation also prohibits network operators from engaging in deceptive online advertising practices like click farming.

In response to the chaos in the market for elderly health products, the regulation stipulates that operators selling health care products or asserting health benefits to consumers aged 60 and above through methods like door-to-door sales, health lectures, and expert consultations must grant elderly consumers the right to return the products within seven days, without the need to provid any reasons. (Wang Jingli)