Starting April 11, 2025, new rules from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will make the process of not receiving unwanted automated calls and texts easier for consumers. The rule allows consumers to use common words like “STOP”, “QUIT”, “END”, “REVOKE”, “OPT OUT”, “CANCEL”, or “UNSUBSCRIBE” to relinquish the permission to receive these messages.

Organizations and businesses, including healthcare providers, must honor these requests within 10 business days. After permission cancellation, organizations can send one final confirmation text to inform consumers that their request was received. This confirmation message must not include marketing or promotional content. The FCC’s new rules make the opt-out process more transparent and accessible.

Background of FCC’s Order

The TCPA was enacted in 1991 and established guidelines for business communications with consumers, requiring consent before making calls or sending marketing texts. In 2015, the FCC introduced the original revocation rule, instating that consumers could revoke their consent to receive automated communications at any time with any reasonable method. The rule is now changing due to the lack of clear guidelines on what constitutes a “reasonable method,” leading to confusion and disputes.

The updated revocation order, which will take effect on April 11, 2025, will eliminate the ambiguity behind the initial rule, specify acceptable opt-out keywords, and clearly define a timeline for honoring revocation requests—within 10 business days.

Key Takeaways

• Starting April 11, 2025, consumers can revoke their consent to receive automated calls or texts using common keywords like “STOP” or “UNSUBSCRIBE.”
• Businesses, including healthcare providers, must honor opt-out requests within 10 business days.
• A one-time confirmation text can verify the opt-out request but can’t contain marketing content.

State remains committed to complying with the FCC’s requirements and will process all opt-out requests in accordance with these regulations. We encourage our clients to coordinate with their Account Executive to ensure any requests to revoke consent are communicated to State.