COMPLIANCE GUIDE: VOICE AI REGULATIONS
Everything you need to know about staying compliant with voice calling regulations
DISCLAIMER: This guide provides general information and should not be considered legal advice. Always consult with qualified legal counsel for compliance matters specific to your business and jurisdiction.
Compliance with telecommunications regulations is critical when deploying voice AI systems. Non-compliance can result in severe penalties, legal action, and reputational damage. This comprehensive guide covers the key regulations you need to understand.
TCPA (TELEPHONE CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT)
The TCPA is the primary federal law governing telephone solicitations in the United States. Key requirements include:
PRIOR EXPRESS WRITTEN CONSENT
You must obtain clear, written consent before making autodialed or prerecorded calls to cell phones. Consent must be:
- In writing (electronic signatures acceptable)
- Obtained separately from other agreements
- Include a clear disclosure of what's being authorized
- Provide the business name and phone number
DO-NOT-CALL REGISTRY
Check numbers against the National Do-Not-Call Registry before calling. Scrub your calling lists at least every 31 days and maintain records of your compliance efforts.
CALL TIME RESTRICTIONS
No calls before 8 AM or after 9 PM in the recipient's local time zone. Track time zones carefully and implement automatic blocking for restricted hours.
GDPR (GENERAL DATA PROTECTION REGULATION)
If you're calling EU residents or handling their data, GDPR compliance is mandatory:
LAWFUL BASIS FOR PROCESSING
You must have a valid legal basis for processing personal data, typically:
- Explicit consent
- Contractual necessity
- Legitimate interests (with balancing test)
DATA SUBJECT RIGHTS
Individuals have the right to:
- Access their personal data
- Request data deletion
- Object to processing
- Data portability
RECORDING AND RETENTION
If you record calls, you must inform callers and obtain consent. Keep recordings only as long as necessary and implement secure deletion procedures.
STATE-SPECIFIC REGULATIONS
Several US states have additional requirements:
CALIFORNIA (CCPA/CPRA)
Requires disclosure of data collection practices and opt-out mechanisms for data sales.
FLORIDA
Stricter consent requirements for automated calls, including specific disclosure language.
TEXAS
Requires caller ID transmission and prohibits caller ID spoofing.
INDUSTRY-SPECIFIC REGULATIONS
HEALTHCARE (HIPAA)
When handling protected health information:
- Implement end-to-end encryption
- Sign Business Associate Agreements
- Maintain detailed audit logs
- Conduct regular security assessments
FINANCIAL SERVICES
Comply with regulations including Regulation P (privacy), GLBA (data security), and Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) for collections calls.
BEST PRACTICES FOR COMPLIANCE
- Document Everything: Maintain detailed records of consent, opt-outs, and compliance measures.
- Implement Clear Opt-Out Mechanisms: Make it easy for recipients to stop receiving calls.
- Regular Compliance Audits: Review your practices quarterly at minimum.
- Staff Training: Ensure everyone understands compliance requirements.
- Use Compliance Technology: Leverage automated tools to maintain do-not-call lists and consent records.
- Stay Updated: Regulations change frequently; monitor for updates.
- Work with Legal Counsel: Establish relationships with attorneys specializing in telecommunications law.
REBOUND COMPLIANCE FEATURES
REBOUND includes built-in compliance tools:
- Automatic Do-Not-Call list management
- Consent tracking and documentation
- Time zone-aware call scheduling
- Opt-out request handling
- Comprehensive audit logging
- GDPR-compliant data handling
PENALTIES FOR NON-COMPLIANCE
Violations can be costly:
- TCPA: Up to $1,500 per violation
- GDPR: Up to €20 million or 4% of global revenue
- State Laws: Vary by jurisdiction, often $5,000-$25,000 per violation
Need compliance assistance?
Our compliance team can help you navigate regulations and implement best practices. Contact us for a compliance consultation.