FCC Reconsiders When One ‘STOP’ Request Should Block All Consumer Messages
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has released a draft order that would change how businesses handle some consumer requests to stop automated calls and text messages.
At the center of the proposal is a simple question: If a consumer replies “STOP” to one type of message, should that automatically stop every other message from the same business?
Under the FCC’s existing “revoke all” provision, a request to withdraw consent from one type of automated communication can be treated as withdrawing consent from other calls and texts that also require consent. The provision has been delayed and is currently scheduled to take effect on January 31, 2027. The FCC’s new draft would replace that approach for certain informational communications.
Opt-Out Requests Could Be Limited to One Type of Message
Under the draft order, callers could interpret an opt-out request made in response to an informational automated call or text as applying only to that specific category of messages.
For example, a consumer who opts out of one type of informational message could continue receiving other categories of informational communications from the same business.
The change would not work the same way for advertising or telemarketing. According to the draft, an opt-out request made in response to a call or text containing advertising or telemarketing would still revoke consent for future advertising or telemarketing communications from that caller.
The FCC said the goal is to give consumers more control over which automated communications they receive without cutting off messages they may still want.
FCC Would Give Callers Clearer Opt-Out Methods
The draft would also allow callers to designate specific methods consumers must use to withdraw consent, as long as those methods are clearly disclosed.
Those options could include an automated phone or key-press opt-out, certain standard words sent in response to a text, or a website or telephone number provided by the caller. Standard text responses listed in the draft include “stop,” “quit,” “end,” “revoke,” “opt out,” “cancel,” and “unsubscribe.”
If a caller does not designate one of the approved methods, it would still need to process revocation requests made through any reasonable method.
Fraud Alerts Show Why the FCC Is Revisiting the Rule
Banks provide one of the clearest examples of the issue.
If a customer no longer wants one category of messages from a bank, a broad opt-out could also affect fraud alerts or other time-sensitive communications. The FCC draft separately proposes changes to an existing TCPA exemption for certain calls and texts from financial institutions.
Currently, that exemption includes a condition limiting covered communications to wireless numbers provided by the customer. The draft would allow financial institutions to use numbers obtained from certain “reliable sources.” These could include an authorized spouse or family member, a number obtained when the customer calls the institution, or records received from another financial institution.
The exemption covers certain communications involving possible fraud or identity theft, data security breaches, steps to address harm from a breach, and pending money transfers. Financial institutions using the exemption would still have to honor consumer opt-out requests.
The draft is scheduled for consideration at the FCC’s September 30, 2026 open meeting. The FCC states that the document remains under consideration and could change before the Commission takes final action.
