The polarizing movie subscription service MoviePass has found itself embroiled in yet another controversy. This time around, MoviePass is reactivating accounts canceled by users accounts without consent. The tactic was first reported by Engadget, and MoviePass is calling it a “test” for a select group of users.
Former MoviePass subscribers have taken to Twitter and Reddit to complain of this tactic. Essentially, MoviePass is informing former customers via email that they are part of a “select test group” that will see their subscriptions automatically reinstated, unless they opt-out by October 4th.
Should users have their account reinstated, they will be given the “unlimited movies” plan, which would allow them to see “up to one new movie title per day based on existing inventory. ”
The multi-paragraph email explains that users will be automatically opted-in to this plan, unless they opt-out by the given deadline, and their card on file will be charged.
Because we really hope you begin enjoying your MoviePass subscription again, we have chosen you to be a part of a select test group, who beginning Friday, October 5th will be restored to unlimited movies (up to one new movie title per day based on existing inventory) – the same subscription that you signed up for and you previously enjoyed. If you decide that you do not want this you must “opt out” before Thursday, October 4th at 9:00PM EDT.
To be clear, unless you opt out, your unlimited subscription will be restored and you will begin enjoying unlimited movies again (up to 1 movie per day, based on existing inventory) at $9.95 per month, and your credit card ono file will be charged on a monthly basis beginning Friday, October 5th, 2018.
The fact that MoviePass is automatically reinstating accounts unless users opt-out is in and of itself an unethical tactic. The company has faced a slew of controversies over the last several months, and this is just the latest.
Have you received the above email from MoviePass? What do you think of this tactic? Let us know down in the comments.
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