The FCC today cited Lyft for violating rules meant to prevent companies from using autodialers and other automated tools to call or message consumers.
According to the FCC, Lyft’s terms of service mandates that all customers agree to receive marketing messages. The TOS, however, expressly states users can opt out of marketing messages if they wish. Upon investigation, the FCC discovered Lyft customers can in fact opt out of marketing text messages, but in so doing they lose the ability to use the app for its intended purpose. Further, there is no way at all for customers to opt out of receiving marketing calls, despite Lyft’s statements that such actions are possible.
Lyft must comply with the FCC’s citation lest it be liable for significant financial penalties.
“The Lyft terms of service agreement violates FCC regulations,” said the FCC. “It is unlawful to require a consumer to consent to receive autodialed or prerecorded telemarketing or advertising calls/texts as a condition of purchasing any property, good, or service.”
Lyft has 30 days to formally respond to the FCC regarding any corrective action it plans to take. Lyft is a ride-hailing service accessed via smartphone app.
