Last week, the American Financial Services Association (AFSA) joined forces with several trade organizations to discuss upcoming changes to the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) rules with senior staff at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The proposed rules, set to be implemented on April 11, 2025, would enforce a complete ban on telephone calls or text messages once a consumer revokes consent.
The participating organizations included the American Bankers Association, ACA International, America’s Credit Unions, and the Mortgage Bankers Association. These groups expressed concerns that the rule is overly restrictive and could negatively impact both consumers and creditors. They pointed out that a consumer might want to stop receiving marketing calls but still receive communications related to their account. Furthermore, consumers with multiple accounts might inadvertently terminate all communications with a creditor by revoking consent for one account.
The trade groups also highlighted the complexity of managing communications across various internal departments or external vendors, noting that ceasing text and call services isn't as straightforward as it seems.
The organizations have requested that the FCC delay implementing this rule for an additional year to allow more time for thorough review and analysis. In response, the FCC has issued a public notice seeking comments from interested parties about regulations that may impose unnecessary burdens. AFSA plans to submit comments emphasizing how these TCPA rules could adversely affect consumers and will request relief.