The TCPA requires opt-out options on non-emergency automated messages — Finalsite has added compliant features to Connect/Mass Notification including deactivated-number flagging, opt-out text footers, and an emergency message checkbox.
💡Quick answers
- What is the TCPA? A federal regulation requiring that recipients of automated messages can opt out — particularly affecting non-emergency outreach calls and texts sent to mobile phones.
- What TCPA features are included? Automatic flagging of deactivated mobile numbers, opt-out footer on all outreach text messages, an emergency checkbox to suppress the footer, and updated opt-out/do-not-contact reports.
- How do I mark a message as emergency to suppress the opt-out footer? Check the emergency checkbox when composing the message.
Keeping up with TCPA regulations.
In July 2015 the FCC issued new rules regarding the use of automated messaging systems, which impact how you use Connect/Mass Notification.
As these changes have already resulted in legal action being taken against several institutions, we are taking a proactive approach with the follow initiatives to help you maintain compliance.
What is the TCPA?
The Federal Communications Commissions (FCC) designed the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) to address the growing number of marketing calls. As a result, Connect 5/Mass Notification now includes an opt-out feature on non-emergency messages for members of your community.
TCPA Resources:
New tools within Connect/Mass Notification will help your organization stay compliant with the new rules while maintaining optimal communication with your audiences. This update includes:
- Automatic flagging of deactivated mobile numbers.
- Updates to opt-out and do-not-contact reports.
- Check box to verify that the content of a message is of an emergency nature.
Text messaging changes
- Expansion of character limits to 300 characters.
- The addition of an opt-out footer in all text messages.
- Suppressing the opt-out footer for emergency messages will be available in a subsequent mid-September release.
- Short-code SMS messaging will be enabled for all clients.
Phone changes
- Outreach phone calls will now include the ability for users to opt-out. Emergency calls will remain unchanged.