Is Your List TCPA and GDPR Compliant?
Posted: Wed May 21, 2025 5:34 am
In 2025, dialing a contact from a non-compliant list isn’t just a risk—it’s a liability. With data privacy laws tightening globally and fines increasing, every business using telemarketing must ensure its contact lists meet TCPA and GDPR standards. It’s not just about courtesy; it’s about legality. Whether you source your data internally or purchase it from vendors, your list must be clean, current, and consent-based to avoid serious consequences.
1. Understanding TCPA and GDPR: What They Require
TCPA (Telephone Consumer Protection Act) governs telephone marketing in the United States. It mandates that:
Contacts must have given prior express written consent before receiving marketing calls or texts.
Numbers on the National Do Not Call Registry or internal DNC lists must be excluded.
Calls to mobile numbers using auto-dialing systems require strict consent.
Violating TCPA can result in fines up to $1,500 per call, and yes, that adds up fast—especially if you’re calling from a list you didn’t vet properly.
GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) is the European Union’s gold standard for data privacy. It requires:
Clear, documented consent from individuals before collecting or using their personal data.
Easy opt-out mechanisms and full transparency about how their data will be used.
Secure data storage, processing, and access controls.
Even if you're not based in the EU, if you're calling EU residents, GDPR applies.
2. Common Signs Your List Might Not Be Compliant
If you’ve purchased a generic list or scraped data from public directories or social media without clear opt-in records, you may already be non-compliant. Other red flags include:
No documentation of how or when the contact opted in.
No ability to verify the source of the data.
Old lists (over 90 days) that haven’t been revalidated.
Lack of DNC scrubbing or consent tracking mechanisms.
Compliance isn't just about avoiding fines—it’s about building trust and improving response rates. A compliant contact is far more likely to engage than someone receiving an unexpected or unwanted call.
3. How to Ensure Your List Is Safe to Use
Start by auditing your current lists. Can you trace the data back norway whatsapp data to its source? Is there proof of consent? If not, it may be time to refresh or replace your database. Look for reputable data vendors who:
Offer consent-backed leads with full traceability.
Regularly scrub their lists against national and international DNC databases.
Stay current with evolving regulations like CCPA, GDPR, TCPA, and PECR.
You should also integrate a compliance process into your campaign: log consent records, honor opt-outs immediately, and train your team to recognize red flags during calls.
1. Understanding TCPA and GDPR: What They Require
TCPA (Telephone Consumer Protection Act) governs telephone marketing in the United States. It mandates that:
Contacts must have given prior express written consent before receiving marketing calls or texts.
Numbers on the National Do Not Call Registry or internal DNC lists must be excluded.
Calls to mobile numbers using auto-dialing systems require strict consent.
Violating TCPA can result in fines up to $1,500 per call, and yes, that adds up fast—especially if you’re calling from a list you didn’t vet properly.
GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) is the European Union’s gold standard for data privacy. It requires:
Clear, documented consent from individuals before collecting or using their personal data.
Easy opt-out mechanisms and full transparency about how their data will be used.
Secure data storage, processing, and access controls.
Even if you're not based in the EU, if you're calling EU residents, GDPR applies.
2. Common Signs Your List Might Not Be Compliant
If you’ve purchased a generic list or scraped data from public directories or social media without clear opt-in records, you may already be non-compliant. Other red flags include:
No documentation of how or when the contact opted in.
No ability to verify the source of the data.
Old lists (over 90 days) that haven’t been revalidated.
Lack of DNC scrubbing or consent tracking mechanisms.
Compliance isn't just about avoiding fines—it’s about building trust and improving response rates. A compliant contact is far more likely to engage than someone receiving an unexpected or unwanted call.
3. How to Ensure Your List Is Safe to Use
Start by auditing your current lists. Can you trace the data back norway whatsapp data to its source? Is there proof of consent? If not, it may be time to refresh or replace your database. Look for reputable data vendors who:
Offer consent-backed leads with full traceability.
Regularly scrub their lists against national and international DNC databases.
Stay current with evolving regulations like CCPA, GDPR, TCPA, and PECR.
You should also integrate a compliance process into your campaign: log consent records, honor opt-outs immediately, and train your team to recognize red flags during calls.