District Courts Are Split in Grappling Over Whether “Telephone Call” Means “Text Message” Under TCPA’s Private Right of Action for DNC Violations

Artin Betpera

December 22, 2025

The Supreme Court’s opinion in McLaughlin v. McKesson has ushered in a new era for TCPA litigation, and opened doors to challenges that defendants were precluded from making prior to the Supreme Court’s decision.  The most recent litigation battleground McLaughlin has opened is the question of whether the words “telephone call” used in 47 U.S.C. § 227(c)(5) means “text message”. …

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