TCPA Revocation Rule: What You Need to Know.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has unveiled a major modification to the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), scheduled to become effective on April 11, 2025. This updated policy bolsters individuals’ ability to withdraw authorization for receiving automated phone calls and text messages by confirming that consent can be revoked through any reasonable channel.
Here’s a brief summary of the principal components:
- Methods of Revocation
- Recipients can rescind permission by replying to texts with terms like “stop,” “quit,” “end,” “revoke,” “opt out,” “cancel,” or “unsubscribe.”
- During phone calls, an interactive voice or key press system must be made available for opt-outs.
- Revocation can also be processed via a website or phone number offered by the calling party.
- Responsibilities for Callers
- Do-not-call and revocation requests must be honored promptly, with an upper limit of 10 business days from receiving the request.
- Organizations cannot stipulate only one exclusive approach for opting out; they must accommodate any reasonable method of revocation.
- Confirmation Messages
- Senders may provide a one-time text confirming a consumer’s decision to opt out, as long as this message solely confirms the opt-out and does not incorporate any promotional or marketing content.
This measure is intended to simplify the process for consumers to revoke consent, while obligating callers to handle these requests in a prompt fashion. Businesses involved in telemarketing or informational messaging should review and adjust their consent and opt-out frameworks to meet these requirements before the April 11, 2025, deadline.
For further details, consult the one-pager PDF prepared by Troutman Amin, which succinctly outlines the specifics of these changes.