FTC sues Adobe alleging hidden subscription cancellation fees

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) took aim at Adobe and two executives Monday for making it too difficult for consumers to cancel their subscriptions and often charging a fee to do so.

The Department of Justice filed a complaint in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California on behalf of the FTC, alleging Adobe hid from consumers that they would be subjected to a fee for canceling a subscription. Adobe violated the Restore Online Shoppers’ Confidence Act (ROSCA), the agencies alleged.

The FTC began investigating Adobe’s subscription cancellation fees and policies in 2022. In November, the FTC notified Adobe that it could face consent negotiations concerning its subscription fees.