October 2026 replaced the broad revoke-all opt-out with category-specific rules for informational calls and texts while keeping broader protection for telemarketing opt-outs. The shift matters because one reply now stops less, as two TCPA settlements hit early-October claim deadlines and carriers face stricter cutoff enforcement. TCPA means the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, the federal law that limits robocalls and marketing texts. This update explains the new opt-out distinction, the enforcement action behind it, the October deadlines, and the next screening proposal to watch.
Table of Contents
- What did the FCC change on opt-outs?
- How quickly must a company honor your request?
- Are regulators cutting off robocall carriers?
- Which settlements have October claim deadlines?
- What should you check right now?
What did the FCC change on opt-outs?
On September 30, 2026, the FCC adopted a Report and Order ending blanket revoke-all, according to Troutman Pepper Locke. Under the revision, an opt-out after an informational robocall or text stops only that message category. An opt-out after telemarketing still stops all future telemarketing from that caller, as described in the Troutman Pepper Locke analysis.
The practical difference is narrow but important. A reply to a flight alert, appointment reminder, or balance notice does not cancel unrelated informational categories. A reply to a sales call or sales text keeps the wider stop-all-telemarketing effect.
How quickly must a company honor your request?
Callers must still accept revocation by any reasonable method, according to Cullen and Dykman LLP. A business can require one exclusive method only if it clearly designates that method.
Once received, the caller must honor the revocation as soon as practicable and no later than 10 business days after receipt. Save the date, time, phone number, message type, and exact opt-out wording. That record helps if texts continue past the deadline.
Are regulators cutting off robocall carriers?
The FCC Enforcement Bureau removed 14 voice providers from the Robocall Mitigation Database on September 2, 2026, according to the FCC. All U.S. providers must stop accepting traffic directly from those companies for robocall-rule noncompliance, as stated in the FCC removal order. The removal targets upstream access rather than one caller at a time.
Blocking noncompliant providers can reduce spoofed and illegal traffic before it reaches consumers. The next watch item is broader screening reform. The FCC published a July 2026 Further Notice proposing a wider database overhaul, according to the CommLaw Group. Initial comments were due October 9, 2026. Expanded provider screening and faster removal are the issues to follow.
Which settlements have October claim deadlines?
Concora Credit agreed to a $9.375 million settlement for prerecorded calls to non-accountholder cell numbers from May 2, 2021 to May 31, 2026, according to The Sun. Claims are due October 19, 2026, with estimated $250-$650 payouts and a final hearing November 24, 2026, as reported in The Sun settlement report.
Palm Beach Tan agreed to a $2.5 million settlement for marketing texts sent after a STOP request from June 19, 2019 to July 5, 2026, according to The Penny Hoarder. It pays a pro-rata amount capped at $1,500 per post-stop text, with claims due October 4, 2026, as reported in The Penny Hoarder settlement report.
- Concora Credit: non-accountholder cell number, prerecorded call, May 2, 2021 to May 31, 2026, claim by October 19, 2026.
- Palm Beach Tan: marketing text after STOP, June 19, 2019 to July 5, 2026, claim by October 4, 2026.
- Payout limits: Concora estimate is $250-$650; Palm Beach Tan is pro-rata up to $1,500 per post-stop text.
What should you check right now?
The revised revocation rules take effect 30 days after Federal Register publication, according to AccountsRecovery.net. That timing replaces the delayed January 31, 2027 date for the broader 2024 revoke-all rule that never took effect.
FTC National Do-Not-Call Registry access fees rose effective October 1, 2026 to $85 per area code and $23,425 nationwide maximum, according to GM Law and the FTC announcement. Consumer registration remains free, so the cost affects telemarketers and sellers only. Check your deadline first, then file with the number that received the calls or texts and keep the confirmation.
You Might Also Like
- Video Privacy and VPPA Class Actions October 2026 Update: What Changed, Why It Matters, and What to Watch Next
- Transportation Class Actions October 2026 Update: What Changed, Why It Matters, and What to Watch Next
- Sweepstakes Class Actions October 2026 Update: What Changed, Why It Matters, and What to Watch Next