New Robocall Regulations Set to Start

Require prior approval from recipients, will likely lead to class action suits

New restrictions requiring businesses to get written permission before placing "robocalls" are set to take effect Wednesday, more than a year after the regulations were announced. 

The Federal Communications Commission rules, which previously allowed firms to make automated telemarketing calls with only oral consent, will now require "prior express written consent."

The regulations, published in July of last year, widen the scope of potential class action lawsuits against violators of the 1991 Telephone Consumer Protection Act.