多邻国的“免费陷阱”：免费试用会员绑定付费套餐，提前扣款不告知

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights consumer complaints regarding the Duolingo app's misleading "free trial" offers, which lead to unexpected subscription charges without proper notification [2][3][12]. Group 1: Consumer Complaints - Multiple consumers reported being charged between 588 to 998 yuan after signing up for a "free trial" on the Duolingo app, without receiving any prior notification about the charges [2][3][12]. - Consumers like Bai Jiajia and Mu Yu experienced unexpected deductions from their accounts, despite assurances that they would receive reminders before the trial ended [3][7]. - The issue has gained traction on social media platforms, with discussions around "Duolingo charges" reaching over 223,000 views and nearly 4,000 comments [8]. Group 2: Misleading Practices - Duolingo's "free trial" requires users to select a paid subscription plan, which is not clearly communicated until later in the signup process, leading to confusion and unintentional charges [12][18]. - The app's interface does not adequately disclose that the free trial is contingent upon selecting a paid plan, which misleads consumers into thinking they are signing up for a standalone trial [18][20]. - Legal experts argue that Duolingo's practices violate consumer rights laws by failing to provide clear information about subscription terms and automatic renewals [11][25]. Group 3: Refund Challenges - Consumers face difficulties in obtaining refunds, as Duolingo and Apple often shift responsibility for processing refunds back and forth, leaving users without recourse [26][29]. - Duolingo's customer service indicates that refund requests must go through Apple, while Apple claims that Duolingo is responsible for handling such requests, creating a frustrating cycle for consumers [27][30]. - Legal experts suggest that both Duolingo and Apple should establish a clearer, consumer-friendly refund process to address the issues arising from misleading subscription practices [30][31].