Les musées britanniques échappent à une loi pénalisante sur les adhésions
The British government has officially exempted charitable museum memberships from the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act (DMCCA). Originally designed to target predatory subscription models like those used by streaming services, the law would have granted members a 14-day cooling-off period both at sign-up and upon annual renewal. Major institutions like the Tate and the Victoria & Albert Museum feared this would allow visitors to attend major exhibitions for free before canceling their memberships for a full refund.
This legislative victory is a significant relief for the UK cultural sector, which relies heavily on membership revenue and the associated Gift Aid tax benefits. Had the law been applied, the Tate alone estimated a potential annual loss of £12 million. By maintaining the status quo of a single initial withdrawal right, the government has protected the financial stability of museums and ensured that their charitable missions remain viable amidst a challenging funding landscape.