FTC Settles $14 Million Case with Match Group Over Subscription Cancellation Issues.

The FTC has reached a $14 million settlement with Match Group, the parent company of dating apps like Tinder, OKCupid, and Plenty of Fish. The settlement resolves allegations that the company deceived consumers by making it difficult to cancel subscriptions, despite advertising that cancellations were "risk-free."

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has reached a $14 million settlement with Match Group Inc., the parent company of popular dating apps including Tinder, OKCupid, and Plenty of Fish. The settlement resolves allegations that Match Group engaged in deceptive practices by making it difficult for consumers to cancel their subscriptions, despite advertising that cancellations were "risk-free" [1].

The FTC sued Match Group in 2019, alleging that the company misled consumers with its widely advertised "six-month guarantee." The guarantee promised a free six-month renewal if users hadn't "met someone special" within their initial six months. However, the terms and conditions were not clearly disclosed, making it difficult for users to qualify for the offer. Additionally, the FTC claimed that Match Group retaliated against users who disputed billing charges by suspending their accounts, even after payment had been collected [2].

As part of the settlement, Match Group must now clearly and conspicuously disclose all terms of its six-month guarantee, simplify the cancellation process, and stop retaliating against users who dispute charges. The company has also agreed to pay $14 million to compensate affected consumers [3].

The settlement underscores the importance of transparency and easy exits for subscription-based businesses. Even though the FTC's "click-to-cancel" rule was overturned by the Eighth Circuit in July 2025, companies should still strive for clear and straightforward cancellation processes to avoid legal and reputational risks [4].

References:
[1] https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/match-group-s-14-million-lesson-even-8669475/
[2] https://www.benzinga.com/news/legal/25/08/47162646/match-group-to-pay-14-million-in-ftc-settlement-over-deceptive-practices
[3] https://www.complianceweek.com/regulatory-enforcement/matchcom-agrees-to-pay-14-million-in-ftc-settlement-over-subscription-practices/36163.article
[4] https://www.marketscreener.com/news/match-group-to-pay-14m-in-ftc-settlement-over-alleged-deceptive-and-unfair-marketing-and-online-sub-ce7c51dfd18df726