Compliance
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      Do Not Call (DNC) Registry & SMS Compliance

      Table of Contents:

      1. What is the Do Not Call Registry
      2. Does the DNC Registry Apply to SMS Marketing?
      3. How Does SMS Marketing Stay Compliant?
      4. Best Practices for SMS Compliance

      What is the Do Not Call (DNC) Registry?

      The Do Not Call (DNC) Registry is a national database managed by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in the United States. It allows individuals to opt out of receiving telemarketing calls from businesses, protecting consumers from unwanted sales calls.

      Does the DNC Registry Apply to SMS Marketing?

      No, the DNC Registry does not apply to SMS marketing in the same way it applies to phone calls. Here’s why:

      • The DNC list only regulates voice calls, not text messages.
      • SMS marketing is governed by different regulations, including:
        • Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA)
        • CTIA Messaging Principles & Best Practices
        • Carrier-Specific SMS Rules

      How Does SMS Marketing Stay Compliant?

      Even though the DNC list doesn’t apply, businesses must still comply with strict SMS marketing rules to ensure they are messaging consumers legally. Key compliance requirements include:

      1. Obtaining Proper Consent (Opt-In Rules)

      • Explicit opt-in is required before sending marketing texts.
      • Consent must be clear, documented, and verifiable.
      • Opt-ins can be obtained via:
        • Website popups
        • Keyword-based SMS opt-ins
        • Checkout forms

      2. Providing Clear Opt-Out Instructions

      • Every marketing SMS must include a clear way to opt out, such as:
        • Reply STOP to unsubscribe.
      • Opt-out requests must be honored immediately.

      3. Following Sending Restrictions

      • Quiet Hours: Some states restrict SMS marketing during certain times (e.g., Florida and Oklahoma require no messaging between 8 PM – 8 AM local time).
      • Message Frequency & Transparency: Clearly disclose how often messages will be sent.

      Best Practices for SMS Compliance

      To stay compliant with U.S. SMS marketing laws, follow these best practices:

      To ensure your SMS marketing is fully compliant:

      ✔  Collect & store proper opt-in records for every subscriber.

      ✔  Include opt-out instructions in every message.

      ✔  Respect time-based restrictions where applicable.

      ✔  Use compliant messaging platforms that enforce TCPA and carrier guidelines.

       

      Need More Information?

      For more details on SMS compliance, check out:

      🔹 Compliance & Deliverability – Learn about SMS marketing regulations.

      🔹 Quiet Hours & Sending Limits – Ensure your messages follow legal timing restrictions.

       

      Still have questions? Contact our support team for further assistance.