> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.itellico.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Privacy Announcements

> Play GDPR-compliant announcements before your agent starts listening

## 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.

<Warning>
  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–$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.
</Warning>

## Use Cases

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="GDPR Compliance" icon="shield-check">
    Inform European callers about data processing and recording before the conversation starts.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Legal Disclaimers" icon="scale-balanced">
    Deliver required legal notices or disclaimers at the start of every call.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Branding" icon="sparkles">
    Play a consistent, professional welcome message with your brand's voice.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Call Recording Notice" icon="circle-dot">
    Notify callers that the conversation may be recorded for quality assurance.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

***

## 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](/build/conversation/greeting-messages).

### Upload Audio

Upload a pre-recorded audio file for your announcement.

**Supported formats:**

* MP3
* OGG
* WAV

**Maximum file size:** 10MB

***

## Best Practices

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Keep it brief" icon="clock">
    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..."
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Disclose AI usage (required by EU AI Act)" icon="robot">
    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.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Include opt-out" icon="right-from-bracket">
    For GDPR compliance, give callers the option to end the call.

    **Example:** "If you prefer not to continue, you may hang up now."
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Match your brand" icon="palette">
    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."
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

***

## GDPR Compliance

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

<Steps>
  <Step title="Inform about data processing">
    Tell callers their data will be processed and by whom.
  </Step>

  <Step title="State the purpose">
    Explain why data is being collected (support, sales, etc.).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Reference privacy policy">
    Mention where callers can find your full privacy policy.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Provide opt-out">
    Give callers the option to end the call if they don't consent.
  </Step>
</Steps>

**Example GDPR-compliant announcement (English):**

```text wrap theme={null}
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):**

```text wrap theme={null}
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.
```

<Warning>
  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](mailto:support@itellico.ai).
</Warning>

***

## Uploading Audio Files

### Via Dashboard

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open the Privacy tab">
    Open your agent editor → **Privacy** tab → **Announcement** and enable **Pre-call Announcement**
  </Step>

  <Step title="Upload File">
    Click **Upload** and select your MP3, OGG, or WAV file (max 10MB)
  </Step>

  <Step title="Preview playback">
    Once uploaded, the row shows an audio player and delete button. The setting saves automatically.
  </Step>
</Steps>

### Audio File Requirements

| Requirement | Specification                 |
| ----------- | ----------------------------- |
| Formats     | MP3, OGG, WAV                 |
| Max size    | 10MB                          |
| Quality     | 128kbps or higher recommended |
| Channels    | Mono or stereo                |

<Tip>
  For best quality, use mono audio at 44.1kHz sample rate. This reduces file size while maintaining clarity for voice announcements.
</Tip>

***

## Troubleshooting

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Announcement not playing" icon="volume-xmark">
    * Verify the announcement is **enabled**
    * Check that you have uploaded an audio file
    * Test with **Test Agent** to confirm configuration
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Audio file upload fails" icon="triangle-exclamation">
    * 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
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

***

## Next Steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Greeting Messages" icon="hand-wave" href="/build/conversation/greeting-messages">
    Configure what your agent says after the announcement
  </Card>

  <Card title="Data Retention" icon="database" href="/build/advanced/data-retention">
    Configure data retention policies
  </Card>

  <Card title="Test Your Agent" icon="vial" href="/test/web-simulator">
    Test announcements with Test Agent
  </Card>

  <Card title="Schedules" icon="clock" href="/launch/schedules">
    Configure when your agent is available
  </Card>
</CardGroup>