Microsoft Auto-Renewal Practices After UK Probe

Microsoft will begin offering more information to customers about how it automatically renews Xbox online gaming subscriptions in Britain, the UK’s competition watchdog stated on Wednesday, January 26.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) secured undertakings from Microsoft for the US tech giant to tell customers upfront about auto-renewals for Xbox Live Gold and Game Pass subscriptions that start at £7 (US$9.50) a month.

Clearer information will help gamers avoid being charged for services they have stopped using, the CMA stated.

“We have co-operated with the CMA to address its concerns and are pleased to have reached an agreement that includes some changes,” a Microsoft spokesperson said via email.

Microsoft has also agreed to contact inactive customers to remind them how to stop payments and provide clearer notifications about future price hikes. Additionally, existing customers on recurring one-year subscriptions will be given an option to end their contracts and claim pro-rata refunds.

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