RCS Opt-Out Requirements and How to Stay Compliant
RCS (Rich Communication Services) is a powerful upgrade to traditional SMS. It allows brands to send branded, media-rich, and interactive messages to users’ default messaging apps. But with its capabilities comes the responsibility to respect user preferences and comply with regulations - especially around RCS opt-out.
In this blog, we cover what RCS opt-out means, how it works globally, and how your business can remain compliant while building trusted customer relationships.
What RCS Opt-Out Means
RCS opt-out gives recipients the ability to stop receiving business or marketing messages through RCS by replying with a command such as “STOP.” This mechanism mirrors the traditional SMS opt-out process and is essential for maintaining legal compliance and user trust.
Opt-out for RCS must be:
Free for the user
Clearly presented in every message
Processed immediately by the brand
Respected across all future messaging from that sender
Consent for RCS Messaging
RCS falls under the same consent rules as SMS. If a user has given valid consent to receive marketing messages via SMS, that same consent typically covers RCS - provided the purpose and scope remain the same.
You do not need to collect new consent for RCS if the user already agreed to receive SMS from you, and you are not changing the message purpose.
However, it is still your responsibility to clearly inform users about the channels and types of communication they may receive, and to provide an opt-out path for each.
RCS and GDPR Compliance
In the EU and many global markets, RCS messaging is subject to GDPR and national telecom rules.
That means:
Consent must be clear and explicit
Users must be informed about how their data is used
Opt-out must be simple and immediate
Consent logs must be kept, along with opt-out records
Whether your brand sends via SMS or RCS, the same rights apply to users - and the same responsibilities apply to you.
Local Variations in RCS Opt-Out Rules
Since RCS is still evolving, national rules may differ in detail, but the core expectations are clear: provide opt-out in every message and honor it immediately.
Here is a summary of RCS opt-out requirements across LINK Mobility’s key markets:
Best Practices for RCS Opt-Out
To ensure trust, deliverability, and compliance, follow these global best practices when sending RCS messages:
✔ Include Opt-Out in Every RCS Message
Use clear, standardized text like: “Reply STOP to unsubscribe” or use the RCS quick-reply button format where supported.
✔ Process Opt-Outs Immediately
Do not delay opt-out actions. Update your contact lists in real time to avoid further sends.
✔ Match SMS and RCS Opt-Out Policies
If a user opts out of SMS, they should also be opted out of RCS (and vice versa) if consent was shared across both channels.
✔ Keep Logs of Consent and Opt-Outs
Maintain records to demonstrate your compliance with local data laws.
✔ Clear Brand Identity
Help users understand who is messaging them. Include brand names, logos, or verified sender IDs in all RCS communications.
Why RCS Opt-Out Matters
With richer messaging comes greater responsibility. RCS lets you build interactive, dynamic customer conversations - but only if the recipient chooses to receive them.
A smooth and respectful opt-out process:
Builds customer trust
Increases long-term engagement
Reduces spam complaints and blocks
Helps your campaigns stay compliant and deliverable
The ability to opt out is not a technical feature - it is a user right that reflects your brand’s commitment to responsible communication.
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