Skip to main content

​
How Pre-Call Announcements Work

Privacy Announcements let you play a recorded message at the start of each call before your AI agent begins listening. Use this Alpha feature for caller notices, data-processing disclosures, or a consistent recorded welcome. When enabled, the announcement plays first, and the platform disables audio input until the announcement completes. This ensures callers hear the full message before the conversation begins.
The EU AI Act requires that callers are told they are interacting with an AI. GDPR requires disclosure of data processing. Failing to disclose can result in fines of up to 4% of annual revenue or €20 million. In the US, TCPA violations carry 500–500–1,500 per call in statutory damages. Pre-call announcements are the most reliable way to meet these requirements. A fixed opening line in the greeting can also work if interruptions are disabled, though by that point the AI model is already processing.

​
Use Cases

GDPR Compliance

Inform European callers about data processing and recording before the conversation starts.

Legal Disclaimers

Deliver required legal notices or disclaimers at the start of every call.

Branding

Play a consistent, professional welcome message with your brand’s voice.

Call Recording Notice

Notify callers that the conversation may be recorded for quality assurance.

​
Configuration

Navigate to your agent editor → Privacy tab → Announcement section.

​
Enable Announcements

Toggle the announcement feature on or off. When disabled, calls start directly with your agent’s greeting.

​
Upload Audio

Upload a pre-recorded audio file for your announcement. Supported formats:
  • MP3
  • OGG
  • WAV
Maximum file size: 10MB

​
Best Practices

Aim for announcements under 15 seconds. Longer messages increase hang-up rates.Good: “This call may be recorded. By continuing, you consent to our privacy policy.”Too long: “Thank you for calling our company. We value your privacy and want to inform you that this conversation will be handled by our artificial intelligence assistant. Your data will be processed in accordance with…”
The EU AI Act requires that callers are informed when they are interacting with an AI system. This applies to all voice AI agents operating in the EU.Good: “You’ll be speaking with our AI assistant. How can I help?”Avoid: Pretending the AI is a human when disclosure is required.
For GDPR compliance, give callers the option to end the call.Example: “If you prefer not to continue, you may hang up now.”
Use language and tone consistent with your brand voice.Professional: “Thank you for calling. This call is recorded for quality assurance.”Friendly: “Hey! Just a heads up, our AI assistant will be helping you today.”

​
GDPR Compliance

For businesses operating in the European Union, privacy announcements help meet GDPR requirements:
1

Inform about data processing

Tell callers their data will be processed and by whom.
2

State the purpose

Explain why data is being collected (support, sales, etc.).
3

Reference privacy policy

Mention where callers can find your full privacy policy.
4

Provide opt-out

Give callers the option to end the call if they don’t consent.
Example GDPR-compliant announcement (English): 
Welcome to Company ABC. This call will be handled by our AI assistant and may
be recorded for quality purposes. We process your data according to our privacy
policy, available at company-abc.com/privacy. If you prefer not to continue,
please hang up now.

​
DACH Region (Germany, Austria, Switzerland)

In the DACH region, additional rules apply:
  • Germany (DSGVO/UWG): Callers must be informed that they are speaking with an AI system. Recording requires explicit notice. Mention your Datenschutzerklaerung (privacy policy) and provide a way to opt out.
  • Austria (TKG/DSG): Similar to Germany. Inform callers about AI usage and recording. Reference your Datenschutzerklaerung.
  • Switzerland (DSG): The revised Swiss Data Protection Act (revDSG, effective since Sept 2023) requires transparency about automated decision-making. Inform callers about data processing and provide your Datenschutzerklaerung link.
Example announcement (German): 
Willkommen bei Firma ABC. Dieses Gespraech wird von unserem KI-Assistenten
gefuehrt und kann zu Qualitaetszwecken aufgezeichnet werden. Informationen zum
Datenschutz finden Sie unter firma-abc.at/datenschutz. Wenn Sie nicht
fortfahren moechten, legen Sie bitte auf.
This is general guidance, not legal advice. Regulations in the DACH region are strict — consult a qualified legal professional for your specific requirements. For help with setup, contact support@itellico.ai.

​
Uploading Audio Files

​
Via Dashboard

1

Open the Privacy tab

Open your agent editor → Privacy tab → Announcement and enable Pre-call Announcement
2

Upload File

Click Upload and select your MP3, OGG, or WAV file (max 10MB)
3

Preview playback

Once uploaded, the row shows an audio player and delete button. The setting saves automatically.

​
Audio File Requirements

RequirementSpecification
FormatsMP3, OGG, WAV
Max size10MB
Quality128kbps or higher recommended
ChannelsMono or stereo
For best quality, use mono audio at 44.1kHz sample rate. This reduces file size while maintaining clarity for voice announcements.

​
Troubleshooting

  • Verify the announcement is enabled
  • Check that you have uploaded an audio file
  • Test with Test Agent to confirm configuration
  • Ensure file is under 10MB
  • Verify file format is MP3, OGG, or WAV
  • Check your internet connection
  • Try converting the file to a different format

​
Next Steps

Greeting Messages

Configure what your agent says after the announcement

Data Retention

Configure data retention policies

Test Your Agent

Test announcements with Test Agent

Schedules

Configure when your agent is available