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New FCC rules taking effect November 25, 2026 change how people can opt out of robocalls and autodialed texts. Businesses can now name specific opt-out methods as the only ones they must process, if they disclose them clearly.
A "stop" reply to an informational message can also be read as covering only that category. This is general information, not legal advice, so have a qualified attorney review your own setup. It is part of our AI Front Desk guide, and was checked against FCC documents on 9 November 2026.
Key Takeaways
- The FCC's revised rules take effect November 25, 2026, according to the Federal Register.
- Callers may designate an exclusive way to opt out, chosen from three methods in the rule, and must disclose it clearly.
- A revocation on an informational message may be read as covering only that category of informational messages.
- A revocation on a marketing call or text stops future marketing from that caller.
- Requests must be honored within a reasonable time, no more than ten business days.
Why this date replaced the older ones
The FCC adopted this order, FCC 26-67, on September 30, 2026 and released it on October 1. The Federal Register notice of October 26, 2026 states: "Effective November 25, 2026."
The notice says this will "supersede the delayed effective date" of the relevant portion of the rule, previously extended to January 31, 2027. Older articles naming a 2026 or 2027 date for the "revoke all" rule may now be out of date.
We searched for legal challenges to this order on 9 November 2026 and found none. A web search is not a full docket review, so ask counsel to check before you rely on it.
Who the rule applies to
The order uses "robocall" to mean a call or text sent using an autodialer, or any call using an artificial or prerecorded voice. Both calls and texts can be covered, depending on how they are sent.
The FCC order does not mention artificial intelligence. Separately, a 2024 FCC ruling confirmed that TCPA limits on "artificial or prerecorded voice" encompass current AI technologies that generate human voices.
That matters if an AI voice agent places outbound calls, including callbacks and reminders. The same ruling says callers must obtain prior express consent, absent an emergency purpose or exemption, and prior express written consent for marketing calls.
What changes on November 25
You can name the ways people opt out
Under the revised 47 CFR 64.1200(a)(10), a caller may designate any of these as the exclusive way to revoke consent:
- An automated, interactive voice or key-press opt-out on the call.
- A reply to a text using a standard word: "stop," "quit," "end," "revoke," "opt out," "cancel," or "unsubscribe."
- A website or telephone number the caller designates for opt-outs.
The FCC clarified that callers can designate one or more of the three. A caller that designates one "is not required to process revocation requests made by any other means."
You must disclose the method
The rule says "The caller must clearly and conspicuously disclose the designated method to revoke consent on the call or in the text."
Text senders using a reply opt-out can meet this by including one of the standard words in each message. The condition is that they recognize any of the standard words as a valid request.
If you do not designate a method
Nothing forces you to designate one. Callers that don't must keep processing requests "made by any reasonable means."
The rule also creates a rebuttable presumption, meaning it is assumed true unless shown otherwise. Using a method not listed is presumed to revoke consent, once the person produces evidence of the request.
A "stop" can now apply to one category
Under the earlier approach, a revocation could reach all robocalls from a caller. The new text covers requests made in response to an informational call or text. Callers "may interpret" those requests as applying only to that category.
An informational message is one with no advertising or telemarketing. So a customer who stops payment reminders need not lose unrelated informational messages, such as fraud alerts.
The word "may" matters. You can still choose to stop everything when someone opts out.
Marketing opt-outs still reach all marketing
The order is firm here. A revocation in response to a marketing call or text revokes consent to all future advertising or telemarketing from that caller.
What stays the same
| Topic | Status | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Deadline to honor a request | Reasonable time, no more than ten business days | FCC 26-67, Appendix A |
| Confirmation text | Allowed if it only confirms and has no marketing | FCC 26-67, Appendix A |
| Confirmation timing | Within five minutes is presumed within consent | FCC 26-67, Appendix A |
| One-way text protocols | Must say so in each text and give another way to opt out | FCC 26-67, Appendix A |
| Required opt-outs for exempted calls and artificial-voice telemarketing | Unchanged | FCC 26-67, para. 19 |
| Do-not-call requests | Still apply to the entity and reasonably expected affiliates | FCC 26-67, para. 14 |
The financial institution exemption was also changed so banks can more easily send fraud alerts. If you are a financial institution, have counsel read that part.
What the FCC may change next
The same document asks for comment on further changes. These are proposals, not rules.
- Cutting the ten-business-day limit, with seven business days suggested in a joint filing.
- Requiring two-way texting, so a person can always reply to opt out.
- Requiring a one-step way to revoke consent for everything.
- Clarifying how revocations treat affiliates.
What to review before November 25
Use this as a working list for you and your attorney.
- List every automated call and text you send, including those from your AI tools and vendors.
- Sort them into informational and marketing. Mixed messages need a closer look.
- Decide whether to designate an exclusive opt-out method or keep accepting any reasonable means.
- Add a clear opt-out line to each call script and text template.
- Confirm your system recognizes all seven standard words, not just "stop."
- Check that an AI voice agent can take a key press or a spoken opt-out and record it.
- Make sure opt-outs reach every system that sends messages, within the deadline.
- Keep confirmation texts free of any marketing.
- Keep records of each request and when you honored it.
Your vendor may handle some of this, but check rather than assume. The responsibility can still come back to you.
Why this is worth getting right
The TCPA lets a person sue for actual losses or $500 per violation, whichever is greater. A court may increase that to as much as three times the amount for willful or knowing violations.
State telemarketing laws can add their own rules, and we have not covered them here. Ask your attorney which apply to you.
Next step
Opt-out handling should be built into your calls and texts, not added later. Our AI agent development team can build call and text workflows around your opt-out process. We do not provide legal advice and cannot promise compliance.
Frequently asked questions
When does the new revocation rule take effect?
The Federal Register notice says November 25, 2026. It replaces the delayed date of January 31, 2027 for the relevant part of the rule. Check for changes before you rely on this date.
Do I have to choose an exclusive opt-out method?
No. The rule says callers "may" designate one. If you do not, you must keep processing requests made by any reasonable means.
How fast do I have to honor an opt-out?
Within a reasonable time, and no later than ten business days from receipt. The FCC is asking whether to shorten this. Faster is better where your systems allow it.
Does "stop" end all my messages to that customer?
It depends on the message. For informational messages, you may treat it as covering only that category. A stop on a marketing message ends all future marketing from you.
Can I send a confirmation text after someone opts out?
Yes, if it only confirms the request and has no marketing. If sent within five minutes, it is presumed to be within the person's prior consent. If it takes longer, you may have to show the delay was reasonable.
Does this apply to AI voice agents?
The order itself does not mention AI. However, the FCC ruled in 2024 that AI-generated voices count as artificial voices under the TCPA. Ask counsel how the revocation rules apply to your specific calls.
