> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.politicalcomms.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA)

> Federal law protecting consumers from unwanted automated calls and text messages. Key requirements, political exemptions, and penalties up to $1,500 per message.

Federal law protecting consumers from unwanted automated calls and text messages.

## What is TCPA?

The TCPA (47 U.S.C. § 227) restricts the use of automated telephone equipment, including auto-dialers and prerecorded messages. Enacted in 1991 and amended multiple times, it protects consumer privacy by requiring consent for certain types of communications and establishing rules for telemarketing and robocalls.

<Info>
  **Understanding the "Autodialer" Definition.** Under the Supreme Court's ruling in *Facebook v. Duguid* (2021), an "automatic telephone dialing system" (ATDS or autodialer) must have the capacity to use a random or sequential number generator to store or produce phone numbers. Systems that send messages to specific, targeted phone lists - without using random or sequential generation - do not meet this legal definition. Consult with legal counsel to understand how TCPA requirements apply to your specific messaging approach.
</Info>

## Key TCPA requirements

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="No Automated Dialers" icon="circle-check">
    Cannot use equipment that automatically dials from a random or sequential number generator without human intervention.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Consent Required" icon="circle-check">
    Prior express written consent required for commercial messages. Political messages have exemptions but best practice is to obtain consent.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Calling Hours" icon="circle-check">
    Cannot call before 8 AM or after 9 PM (local time). Most carriers enforce 8 AM – 10 PM for texting.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Honor Opt-Outs" icon="circle-check">
    Must provide clear opt-out mechanism and honor requests immediately. Once opted out, cannot contact again without new consent.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Identify Sender" icon="circle-check">
    Messages must clearly identify the sender. Don't misrepresent who you are or hide behind vague identities.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Emergency Lines Exempt" icon="circle-check">
    Cannot call emergency lines, hospital rooms, or services where recipient is charged for incoming calls.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Political campaign exemptions

Political calls and texts may have certain exemptions under TCPA, but requirements can vary based on the technology used and specific circumstances. Best practices for campaigns include:

* Avoid using random or sequential number generation (autodialer restrictions)
* Honor opt-out requests immediately and automatically
* Respect calling time restrictions (8 AM – 9 PM local time)
* Clearly identify your campaign in all messages
* Follow state laws (which may be more restrictive than federal rules)
* Consult legal counsel for guidance on your specific messaging approach

## Penalties for violations

<Warning>
  **\$500 per violation** - Standard penalty for each illegal call or text message.

  **\$1,500 per violation** - For willful or knowing violations (up to 3× damages).

  **Private right of action** - Individuals can sue directly in state courts.

  **State attorney general enforcement** - State AGs can bring civil actions on behalf of residents.
</Warning>

## TCPA best practices

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Obtain Consent When Possible" icon="badge-check">
    Even if not legally required, getting opt-in consent improves engagement and reduces complaints.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Document Everything" icon="badge-check">
    Keep records of consent, opt-outs, and campaign procedures. Audit trails protect you in disputes.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Avoid Autodialer Technology" icon="badge-check">
    Do not use random or sequential number generation. Send to specific, targeted phone lists only.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Process Opt-Outs Immediately" icon="badge-check">
    Support STOP keywords and honor requests within seconds (automated on our platform).
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Official resources

* [FCC TCPA Overview](https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/stop-unwanted-robocalls-and-texts)
* [47 U.S.C. § 227 (Full Text)](https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2022-title47/pdf/USCODE-2022-title47-chap5-subchapII-partI-sec227.pdf)
* [Facebook v. Duguid, 592 U.S. \_\_\_ (2021) - Autodialer Definition](https://supreme.justia.com/cases/federal/us/592/19-511/)