Regulators restrict prerecorded calls by telemarketers

U.S. regulators barred telemarketers from making prerecorded telephone calls to consumers who don't agree in writing to accept such messages.

The new rules take effect in September 2009, the Federal Trade Commission said today. Starting in December this year, prerecorded sales calls must let consumers opt out of receiving the messages in the future.

Telemarketers that make charitable fundraising calls on behalf of nonprofit groups also must provide an automated opt-out mechanism. Those calls won't require prior written consent from consumers. FTC Chairman William Kovacic said the changes are designed to protect consumers' privacy.

The restrictions, proposed almost two years ago, don't cover other prerecorded calls, such as appointment reminders or airline notifications that a flight has been canceled, the FTC said.