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10/14/25- A recent decision from the Northern District of California has expanded one of the most important protections consumers have against unwanted marketing: the federal Do-Not-Call rules under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA). In Wilson v. MEDVIDI Inc. (N.D. Cal. Oct. 7, 2025), the court rejected a telehealth company’s argument that text messages aren’t “calls” under Section 227(c) of the TCPA. The ruling confirms that consumers who register their phone numbers on the National Do-Not-Call Registry are shielded not only from intrusive robocalls, but also from unwanted text message campaigns.

The plaintiff alleged that MEDVIDI, a digital mental health platform, sent him repeated text messages advertising services—even though his number was registered on the federal Do-Not-Call (DNC) list. The company argued that Section 227(c), which prohibits telephone solicitations to numbers on the DNC registry, only applies to calls made to a residential subscriber, not texts.

The court disagreed. Looking at the plain meaning of “call,” as well as prior rulings interpreting Section 227(b) (which restricts automated dialing), the judge found that Congress intended “call” to include both voice and text-based communications. As the court put it, the modern consumer’s phone is not limited to ringing — “it vibrates, buzzes, and pings,” and that’s enough to trigger the same legal protections.

This ruling matters because it closes a loophole that some companies have tried to exploit. For years, certain marketers argued that “Do Not Call” rules only applied to traditional voice calls — not texts, push alerts, or SMS marketing blasts. Wilson rejects that distinction and reinforces that the TCPA evolves with technology.

For consumers, this means:

• You have the same right to be free from unwanted text solicitations as from robocalls.
• If your number is on the DNC registry and you receive two or more marketing texts within a 12-month period from the same company, you may be entitled to $500 per violation — and up to $1,500 if the conduct was willful.

For companies, the message is equally clear: texting campaigns must comply with all DNC restrictions, not just automated calling rules.

This case reflects how TCPA enforcement is shifting toward modern communication methods. Automated text and chat campaigns, especially in industries like telehealth, retail, and fintech, are now a primary source of consumer complaints. By treating text messages as “calls,” courts are acknowledging that unwanted digital communication can be just as invasive as the robocalls Congress sought to curb back in 1991.

This isn’t the first court to reach this conclusion — but Wilson is particularly important because it’s one of the first to apply Section 227(c) (the DNC provision) rather than Section 227(b) (autodialer restrictions). That distinction matters: §227(c) focuses on protecting consumers’ privacy choices, not just technical calling equipment.

1. Register your number on the National Do-Not-Call Registry at donotcall.gov.
2. Keep records of any repeated or unwanted text messages, including screenshots and dates
3. Opt out in writing — if the company ignores your request, it strengthens your potential claim.
4. Report violations to the FTC or a consumer protection attorney.

Even a few unwanted texts could represent hundreds or thousands of dollars in statutory damages under the TCPA.