Businesses that send automated calls or texts face new opt-out rules later this month. The FCC changed how callers must handle requests to stop calls, and the update takes effect Nov. 25, 2026, according to the Federal Register.
The core choice is simple. A caller can name one clearly disclosed way for people to opt out, or it must honor any reasonable request, the Federal Register document says. The rules also change what happens when someone opts out of informational messages, the FCC order says.
Key facts
- The rule takes effect Nov. 25, 2026, per the Federal Register.
- Callers may pick one of three exclusive opt-out methods if they disclose it clearly on the call or in the text, the Federal Register says.
- Callers that do not pick one must accept opt-out requests made by any reasonable means, according to the rule.
- Requests made through a chosen method must be honored within a reasonable time of no more than ten business days, the rule says.
- An opt-out from informational robocalls now covers only the category it targets, the FCC order says.
Background
The FCC adopted Report and Order FCC-26-67 on Sept. 30, 2026, and released it Oct. 1, 2026, in CG Docket No. 02-278, according to the order. Its Federal Register version is Document Number 2026-21821, cited as 91 FR 67214, the Federal Register shows. The changes amend 47 CFR 64.1200, per the same document.
Robocalls are a top concern for the agency. Illegal robocalls draw more complaints to the FCC than any other issue, the order says.
The order splits messages into two groups. An informational robocall is one that has no advertising and is not telemarketing, the order says. Under the new rules, when someone opts out of informational robocalls, the request applies only to the specific type of informational message they were trying to stop, according to the FCC.
Marketing messages work differently. If a call has an ad or is telemarketing, an opt-out still ends consent for all future telemarketing robocalls from that caller, the order says.
The order also updates the exemption for financial institutions so they can more easily warn customers about fraud on their accounts, according to the FCC.
What it means for you
Any business that uses automated calls or texts now has a decision to make. It can choose one official opt-out channel, or it can keep accepting requests in any reasonable form.
The rule lists three methods a caller may choose as its exclusive channel, according to the Federal Register:
- An automated interactive voice or key-press opt-out during a robocall.
- Specific standardized words sent in reply to a text.
- A website or phone line that the caller provides.
The chosen method must be disclosed clearly and plainly on the call or in the text, the rule says. A caller that does this does not have to process opt-outs that arrive some other way, per the Federal Register. The benefit is a single, trackable path. The risk is that a vague or hidden disclosure could undercut that choice.
Firms that send both reminders and promotions should track them separately. A customer who stops one kind of informational message may still expect other informational messages. A customer who stops a marketing call has ended all telemarketing robocalls from that sender.
A modern business phone system can help a team route and log opt-out requests in one place. A well-run contact center setup can make sure agents pass along requests that come in by phone. An AI receptionist can also capture spoken requests when staff are busy. For earlier guidance on this topic, see this overview of opt-out rules for robocalls and texts.
Practical steps
- Decide before Nov. 25, 2026, whether to name one exclusive opt-out method or accept any reasonable request, as the rule allows.
- If you pick a method, make sure it is one of the three the rule lists, per the Federal Register.
- Rewrite call scripts and text templates so the opt-out method is easy to see and hear.
- Sort your messages into informational and telemarketing groups, since an opt-out works differently for each, the order explains.
- Set up a process that honors requests within ten business days at most, as the rule requires.
- Train staff on what to do if a customer asks to stop messages in a way your system does not track.
- Read the full order and the rule text so your team works from the official sources.
What happens next
The rules take effect Nov. 25, 2026, the Federal Register says. The FCC is still asking for comment on whether callers should also have to offer a universal option to stop all messages, so that question is not settled. State laws may add their own duties, and the federal document does not list them. Businesses should check the rules in each state where they call or text customers.
