PayPal tweaks terms in wake of 'robocall' controversy

Earlier this month, PayPal generated controversy when it proposed amendments to its terms that would allow it make unsolicited calls for marketing and other purposes. The Federal Communications Commission told PayPal that the proposed terms, which would go into effect July 1, might violate federal laws because unsolicited robocalls are only legal if a company has obtained written or oral consent from consumers.

On Monday, PayPal said it was modifying the new terms. Under the new terms, customers will have to give the company express written consent before PayPal can place autodialed or prerecorded calls and texts for marketing purposes.

Customers may revoke consent to receive those sorts of calls by contacting PayPal customer support, PayPal said.

Customers will receive an email notifying them of the changes, the company said.

The calls will otherwise be used primarily to protect customers from fraud, provide notices around account activity and collect debts, the company said.

The National Consumer Law Center, a nonprofit consumer advocacy group, had brought their concerns over PayPal's new policy to the FCC. On Monday, Margot Saunders, an attorney at the nonprofit, said she was pleased with PayPal's changes.

The FCC, in a statement, also said PayPal's changes were a significant improvement.

Zach Miners covers social networking, search and general technology news for IDG News Service. Follow Zach on Twitter at @zachminers. Zach's e-mail address is zach_miners@idg.com