[Glossary](https://telxpress.com/glossary/) / Security & compliance # TCPA The **TCPA** (Telephone Consumer Protection Act) is the federal law that restricts automated calls, prerecorded or artificial voice messages and marketing texts to consumers, and generally requires their prior express consent. - Security & compliance - Updated October 11, 2026 - Written by the Telxpress advisory team 01 In depth ## What it is, why it matters and *what to ask a vendor* The TCPA, found at 47 U.S.C. section 227 with the FCC's rules at 47 CFR 64.1200, governs outbound calling technology: autodialers, prerecorded and artificial voices, and text messages to mobile phones. It also underpins the national Do Not Call list. Consent rules are strictest for marketing, and violations carry statutory damages per call or text. For a growing business the risk sits in outbound automation: appointment reminders, promotional texts, missed-call text-backs and AI voice agents that call leads back. Inbound calls that customers place to you are a different situation from outbound campaigns, which is why the first design question for any automation is who initiates the contact. Ask a vendor how consent is captured and stored, how opt-outs are honored across every channel, whether the system checks the Do Not Call list, what hours calls are placed, and whether an AI voice is treated as an artificial voice under the rules. Then confirm your program with your attorney. 02 Related terms ## Terms that usually come up *alongside it* - Security & compliance ### [Call recording consent](https://telxpress.com/glossary/call-recording-consent/) Call recording consent is the permission the law requires before a phone call is recorded; in California, every party to a confidential call must be told and agree, which is often called two-party consent. - Voice ### [AI voice agent](https://telxpress.com/glossary/ai-voice-agent/) An AI voice agent is software that answers phone calls in natural conversation, understands what the caller wants, answers questions, books appointments and transfers or takes messages when a person is needed. - AI ### [Lead qualification](https://telxpress.com/glossary/lead-qualification/) Lead qualification is the process of asking a prospect enough questions to decide whether, how urgently and by whom they should be followed up, a task businesses increasingly give to AI voice agents. - AI ### [Workflow automation](https://telxpress.com/glossary/workflow-automation/) Workflow automation uses software rules and AI to run repeatable business steps automatically, such as logging a lead or sending a confirmation; CRM automation is the same idea applied inside your customer database. 03 At Telxpress ## Where this shows up *at Telxpress* The pages and articles where this term does real work: what we advise, build and support. - Industry ### [AI Voice Agents & Technology for Car Dealerships](https://telxpress.com/industries/automotive-dealerships/) Capture every sales and service call with an AI voice agent, meet FTC Safeguards Rule and TCPA duties, and modernize the dealership network. - Page ### [Donya AI Voice Agent: Never Miss a Call](https://telxpress.com/solutions/ai/voice-agent/) Donya answers every call 24/7, qualifies leads and books appointments. Call the demo line to hear it. Built and run by Telxpress. - Page ### [AI Agents & Business Automation](https://telxpress.com/solutions/ai/) AI voice, sales and support agents plus CRM and workflow automation, deployed and supported by our team. Based in Irvine, CA. 04 Sources ## Public *references* The standard or law this definition rests on, as published by its owner. Fetched and checked on the review date above. - [47 U.S.C. 227, Telephone Consumer Protection Act (Cornell LII)](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/47/227) law.cornell.edu - [47 CFR 64.1200, FCC delivery restrictions (Cornell LII)](https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/47/64.1200) law.cornell.edu Next step ## Want This Applied *to Your Business?* Book a free 30-minute AI readiness consultation. You'll leave with three AI opportunities specific to your business, whether you work with us or not. [Book My Free Consultation](https://telxpress.com/book/) [Take the Free AI Readiness Assessment](https://telxpress.com/ai-readiness/) [Or call 24/7: (949) 861-4500](tel:+19498614500) Last reviewed: October 11, 2026. Published by Telxpress, Irvine, CA.