The Federal Communications Commission on Thursday passed new rules that should hopefully get you out more robocalls and robo text messages.
The new rules make it easier for you to opt out of receiving the unwanted calls and text messages — even if you previously gave consent. They also give companies a firm deadline of 10 business days to grant your request to stop receiving them.
The rules, which passed unanimously across both parties, addresses one of the those little annoying elements in our lives which has only grown more persistent over the years. With the elections coming up, expect to receive even more automated text messages and robocalls. Robocalls are one of the few issues that people can agree are annoying — regardless of your political leanings.
The rules further bolster the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, which previously restricted robocalls and robotexts without someone’s express consent.
Another aspect of the rules is the clarification that a company can only send you a final confirmation text letting you know that you will be removed from their list, and forbids it from adding any additional marketing material.
The rules, however, do not apply to wireless providers and their subscribers. The FCC is taking comments about whether consumers should have the ability to revoke consent and stop communications from their own carriers.