What is 'forced continuity' in the context of dark patterns?

'Forced Continuity' is a dark pattern where a user is enrolled in a recurring subscription without being explicitly and repeatedly reminded of the ongoing charges or given an easy way to cancel. This often starts with a free trial or a discounted introductory period. Once the trial ends, the user is automatically charged the full subscription price without a clear notification or consent request. Canceling the subscription is made intentionally difficult, often requiring multiple steps, hidden cancellation links, or contacting customer support. The goal is to exploit user inertia and inattention, hoping they will continue paying for the subscription rather than going through the hassle of canceling. This pattern preys on users forgetting about the trial or not realizing they will be automatically charged, leading to unexpected and unwanted expenses.