The latest in DNC and TCPA compliance: Navigating the changing landscape with Michele Schuster

In the fast-paced world of marketing compliance and consumer debt collection, staying up to date with the latest regulations and maintaining compliance is crucial for businesses. The ever-evolving regulatory landscape poses significant challenges for organizations, and they must be proactive in adopting the right strategies and technologies to ensure adherence to the rules.

In this blog post, we recap a recent Fireside Chat featuring Michele Schuster, Managing Partner at Mac Murray and Shuster and seasoned expert in telemarketing and TCPA compliance, and Stefan Dunigan, the VP of Operations at Gryphon.ai. They discuss the current state of DNC (Do Not Call) and TCPA (Telephone Consumer Protection Act) compliance, the hurdles faced by businesses, the impact of legislation, and the importance of leveraging technology to ensure compliance.

Here are some key issues and takeaways from our discussion about the latest in marketing compliance and consumer debt collection:

A Dynamic Regulatory Landscape

The conversation begins with a reflection on the rapidly changing regulatory landscape. Michele Schuster highlights that regulators are now more actively enforcing compliance than ever before, and legislators are passing new laws at a quick pace. This surge in regulatory activity has necessitated the need for compliance officers within organizations to ensure adherence to the law.

Proliferation of Mini TCPA Legislation

One key trend discussed is the rise of mini TCPA legislation in various states, targeting different aspects of telemarketing and consumer debt collection. These laws often impose call frequency restrictions, calling time limitations, registration requirements, and consent disclosure obligations. Companies operating in multiple states must conduct a 50-state analysis to comply with varying requirements.

The Impact of Facebook vs. Duguid Ruling

The Facebook vs. Duguid ruling has significantly impacted the definition of an Automated Telephone Dialing System (ATDS) under the TCPA. In the case, Noah Duguid brought a lawsuit against Facebook because he stated that Facebook sent him numerous automatic text messages without his consent. Duguid claimed he did not use the social media site, yet for approximately ten months, Facebook repeatedly sent him text messages that someone was attempting to access his (nonexistent) account.

States are now taking steps to regulate predictive dialers and other systems that could generate and dial phone numbers automatically. The challenge lies in interpreting the rulings and ensuring compliance across multiple platforms.

Increased Scrutiny on Consent and Disclosures

Consent and disclosure requirements have become a focal point for regulators and plaintiffs’ attorneys. Companies must pay close attention to the language used in lead forms and ensure that they meet the requirements of each state. Failure to provide proper disclosures can lead to hefty penalties and lawsuits.

The Role of Compliance Officers

The role of a compliance officer is to ensure that a company complies with its outside regulatory and legal requirements as well as internal policies and bylaws. To navigate the complex regulatory landscape, organizations should appoint dedicated compliance officers responsible for monitoring and ensuring adherence to compliance policies and procedures.

Compliance Technology and Its Role

As compliance requirements continue to grow, leveraging compliance technology becomes crucial for businesses. Automated call blocking services, list scrubbing, and other solutions can help companies maintain DNC and TCPA compliance efficiently.

Maintaining DNC and TCPA compliance is an ever-evolving challenge for businesses. Staying informed about the latest regulations, employing dedicated compliance officers, and leveraging technology are essential steps to ensure adherence to the law. Organizations must be proactive in adapting to the changing regulatory landscape to avoid penalties and lawsuits, while also maintaining trust with consumers. Compliance is not just a legal requirement; it is a cornerstone of a successful and ethical business.

To learn more about how an automated compliance solution can mitigate risk of DNC and TCPA violations for your company, contact Gryphon today.