Match Group, the company behind popular dating services like Tinder, Match, and Hinge, has agreed to pay $14 million and permanently cease deceptive advertising, cancellation, and billing practices, according to a recent announcement from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The settlement resolves charges that Match Group misled consumers about the ease of canceling subscriptions and engaged in other unfair or deceptive practices.
The FTC’s complaint detailed allegations that Match Group made it difficult for consumers to cancel their subscriptions, a process often referred to as a “dark pattern” in the industry. Consumers reportedly faced obstacles when attempting to end their recurring payments for dating services. Additionally, the company was accused of misrepresenting the value and availability of certain features and promotions, leading consumers to believe they were receiving more than they actually were.
Under the terms of the agreement, Match Group will pay $14 million to the FTC. This significant sum is intended to compensate consumers who were harmed by the company’s alleged practices. Furthermore, the settlement mandates that Match Group must implement clear and straightforward procedures for subscription cancellations, ensuring that consumers can terminate their services without undue difficulty. The company is also prohibited from engaging in deceptive advertising and billing practices going forward.
This action by the FTC highlights the ongoing efforts by regulatory bodies to protect consumers from misleading advertising and unfair billing practices in the digital marketplace. The settlement serves as a reminder to companies that transparency and ease of cancellation are crucial for maintaining consumer trust and adhering to legal obligations. Consumers who have experienced difficulties with subscription cancellations or have encountered misleading advertising from dating services are encouraged to report such incidents to the FTC.
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www.ftc.gov published ‘Match Group Agrees to Pay $14 Million, Permanently Stop Deceptive Advertising, Cancellation, and Billing Practices to Resolve FTC Charges’ at 2025-08-12 12:00. Please write a detailed article about this news in a polite tone with relevant information. Please reply in English with the article only.