未获“提醒”便遭扣费 多邻国的“免费陷阱”

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 [1][3][4]. 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 [1][3]. - Consumers like Bai Jiajia and Mu Yu experienced automatic deductions from their accounts without the promised reminders, leading to confusion and frustration [3][4]. - The issue has gained traction on social media, with discussions around "Duolingo charges" reaching over 22.3 million views and nearly 4,000 comments [4]. 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, creating a misleading environment for consumers [6][7]. - The app's interface obscures the fact that the free trial is contingent upon selecting a paid plan, which many users find deceptive [9][11]. - The company has been criticized for not clearly stating the automatic renewal terms and the specific timing of charges, leading to confusion among users [11][12]. Group 3: Legal Implications - Legal experts argue that Duolingo's practices may violate consumer protection laws, specifically regarding the right to be informed and the right to choose [4][5]. - The lack of clear communication about subscription terms and automatic renewals could be seen as a breach of the "Network Transaction Supervision and Management Measures" [5][13]. - Consumers are advised that Duolingo's actions may constitute misleading advertising, potentially infringing on multiple consumer rights laws [9][13]. Group 4: Refund Challenges - Many consumers face difficulties in obtaining refunds after being charged, as Duolingo and Apple often pass the responsibility back and forth, complicating the refund process [15][16]. - Duolingo's refund policy states that payments are generally non-refundable, which adds to consumer frustration when seeking recourse [15][16]. - Legal experts suggest that both Duolingo and Apple should establish a clearer, more consumer-friendly refund process to address these issues effectively [17][18].