An Australian federal court finds the US dating site eHarmony engaged in misleading conduct involving subscription “traps” that cost customers hundreds of dollars each. The court case follows complaints to the consumer watchdog about how the service presents information on membership costs and renewal.
According to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), the dispute centres on claims that consumers were told or led to believe they could access dating services for free, while information provided about premium subscription pricing, renewal terms, and costs was inadequate or deceptive. The ACCC says hundreds of complaints were received, and it sued eHarmony in 2023 over the company’s conduct.
Across the outlets, the core finding is consistent: customers are misled about subscription renewal fees, including the possibility that renewal charges can be significantly higher than the initial subscription price. The reporting also describes that the court’s decision relates to information provided to consumers at the point of purchase and how renewal terms operate after subscriptions begin.
