Opt-out

The term opt-out refers to several methods by which individuals can avoid receiving unsolicited product or service information. This ability is usually associated with direct marketing campaigns such as telemarketing, e-mail marketing, or direct mail. A list of those who have opted out is called a Robinson list.

In the UK, the Mailing Preference Service composes the Robinson list.

Telemarketing

The U.S. Federal Government created the National Do Not Call Registry to reduce the telemarketing calls consumers receive at home. Initially numbers listed on the registry were due to be kept for five years but will now remain on it permanently due to the Do-Not-Call Improvement Act of 2007, which became law in February 2008.

The UK's Direct Marketing Association operates an opt-out scheme through the Telephone Preference Service. While the service will reduce unsolicited calls it does not stop solicited calls, market research calls, silent calls or overseas calls.

Canada's National Do Not Call List operates an opt-out list which allows consumers to register their wishes not to have telemarketing calls. Charities, newspapers, and pollsters are exempt although each of these is required to keep their own do not call list that consumers can be added to at their request.

Opt-out (politics)

In politics, an opt-out is when one level of government can decline or refuse to be part of a program designed by another level of government.

Usage

The term is used in both Canada and the European Union, where it has roughly the same meaning. In both cases it refers to lower levels of government choosing not to participate in a program implemented by a higher level.

Canada

In Canadian usage opting out refers to a province's right to withdraw from federal programs. Debate often revolves aroung the question of compensation for provinces that choose to opt out.

European Union

Opt-outs in the European Union refer to areas of EU law that certain member states have not implemented.

Opt out (disambiguation)

Opt out is the term used in broadcasting when a nation or region splits from the main national output.

Opt out may refer to: