Definition of opt out

The term "opt out" originated in the context of insurance and marketing. In the insurance industry, "opt out" refers to a customer's decision to decline participation in a particular program or service that is offered as part of their insurance policy. For example, in a group health insurance plan, an employee may choose to "opt out" of a prescription drug plan if they have coverage through another source. In marketing, "opt out" describes a consumer's decision to remove themselves from a mailing list or other marketing communication. In the past, companies would often add consumers to their mailing lists without their consent, hence the term "junk mail." Consumers then had to request to be removed from these lists, which was known as "opting out." However, with the rise of digital communication, the term "unsubscribe" has become more commonly used in email marketing contexts. The term "opt out" has also been used in political contexts to refer to the refusal to participate in certain programs or initiatives. For example, in the United States, some states give parents the option to "opt out" of standardized tests for their children. Overall, "opt out" denotes a deliberate choice to withdraw from a program, service, or communication.