Text Blocking Final Rule and Compliance Date Announced by the FCC

Text Blocking Final Rule and Compliance Date Announced by the FCC

On March 1, 2024, the FCC released the final rule and announcement of compliance date for the Targeting and Eliminating Unlawful Text Messages rule.  The final rule was released as part of the FCC’s continued efforts to narrow the lead generation loophole.  It goes into effect on September 3, 2024.

The publication of the Text Blocking Report and Order, which requires all mobile wireless providers to block certain text messages that are highly likely to be illegal and adds to section § 64.1200 Delivery Restrictions in the Federal Registry.

The FCC states that scams involving text messages may contain links to expertly created phishing websites that mimic the look and feel of reputable businesses in an attempt to trick a victim into divulging personal or financial information. Additionally, unsolicited software, such as malware that steals credentials, passwords, or other private data, can be loaded onto a system through text links. Therefore, all mobile wireless carriers are required by the FCC to ban specific text messages that are very likely to be illegal.

Pursuant to the Text Blocking Report and Order, 88 FR 21497, the FCC is requiring mobile wireless providers to block certain text messages that are highly likely to be illegal. These messages are from NANP numbers on a reasonable DNO list, including invalid, unallocated, or unused numbers and those the subscriber has requested to be blocked. The FCC also requires mobile wireless providers and other entities to maintain a point of contact for texters so that they may report erroneously blocked texts that ensures that erroneous blocking can be quickly remedied.

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This article is for information purposes only. It is not intended to be and should not be relied on as legal advice for any particular matter.