Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024

And it's going to ramp up again, I believe, in 2027.

Whereas part of the Digital Markets Competition and Consumers Act, there's like a subscriptions part of that, which is coming into effect.

And basically, that means more clarity over the terms before you sign a contract, enforcing reminders that businesses must send you around renewals, and allowing a couple of cooling off periods, one at the start of the contract, and then one when the free period or trial period ends, which I think is a key one, because at the moment, you get a little trial period, you have to give your credit card details often.

And then when the trial ends, oh, they just billed me a huge amount.

Looking ahead, CMA is expected to provide an update on its investigation into Ryanair's family seating policy in December.

The government is also consulting this autumn on whether practices such as invented discounts should become banned commercial practices under the DMCC Act.

With a new subscription regime arriving earlier than expected in January 2027, businesses should be reviewing their subscription models now.

It is also a timely opportunity to review the CMA's updated guidance on unfair consumer terms.