On January 5, New York City’s Office of the Mayor issued two executive orders on “junk fees” and “deceptive” subscription practices. Both orders directed the city’s Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) act against these practices. Both orders went into effect immediately.

On “Junk Fees”:

On January 5, the Office of the Mayor issued Executive Order No. 9, establishing a citywide task force to combat supposed hidden “junk fees” that the mayor stated may mislead consumers by ostensibly advertising one price but charging a higher amount. The order directed the DCWP to coordinate rulemaking, enforcement, city contracting standards, and public education efforts for New Yorkers. The task force will include representatives from several city agencies and will be charged with monitoring compliance, investigating violations, and recommending new legislation to address deceptive pricing practices.

On “Deceptive” Subscription Practices:

On January 5, the Office of the Mayor issued Executive Order No. 10 directing the DCWP to prioritize enforcement against deceptive subscription practices that could mislead consumers, such as hidden pricing, unclear renewal terms, and difficult cancellation processes. The DCWP was instructed to consider further regulatory actions, including promulgating new rules under existing city law and making recommendations to the City Council for additional protections. The DCWP will also be required to coordinate with the New York State Attorney General to combat these practices.