ToplineThe Federal Trade Commission will soon implement a rule making it easier for consumers to cancel their subscriptions and memberships, according to an announcement Wednesday, effectively clamping down on companies who complicate the cancellation process and threatening them with civil penalties if they continue to do so.

People who want to stop paying for a subscription or membership will soon be able to do so with just a call or a click instead of getting caught in a discouraging maze, according to federal rules unveiled Wednesday.

FTC Commission Chair Lina M. Khan said, "Too often, businesses make people jump through endless hoops just to cancel a subscription. The FTC’s rule will end these tricks and traps, saving Americans time and money. Nobody should be stuck paying for a service they no longer want."