Policy Overview
Last updated: June 29th, 2025.
SMS-iT is committed to maintaining the highest standards of communication ethics and preventing spam across all our platforms and services. This Anti-Spam Policy outlines our zero-tolerance approach to spam and the measures we take to ensure responsible messaging practices.
This policy applies to all users of SMS-iT services, including customers, partners, and any third parties using our platform to send communications. Violation of this policy may result in immediate account suspension or termination.
SMS-iT complies with all applicable anti-spam laws and regulations, including the CAN-SPAM Act, TCPA, GDPR, and other international data protection and communication laws.
Definition of Spam
For the purposes of this policy, spam is defined as any unsolicited, unwanted, or inappropriate communication that:
Email Spam
- Is sent without explicit consent from the recipient
- Contains false or misleading header information
- Uses deceptive subject lines
- Fails to provide clear identification of the sender
- Does not include a valid opt-out mechanism
- Continues to be sent after opt-out requests
SMS/Text Message Spam
- Is sent without proper consent (written consent for marketing messages)
- Fails to identify the sender clearly
- Does not provide opt-out instructions
- Continues after STOP requests
- Contains misleading or fraudulent content
- Violates TCPA regulations
Voice Call Spam
- Robocalls without proper consent
- Calls to numbers on the Do Not Call Registry
- Calls outside permitted hours
- Calls that fail to provide caller identification
- Prerecorded messages without consent
General Spam Characteristics
- Bulk messaging to purchased or harvested contact lists
- Messages promoting illegal activities or products
- Phishing attempts or fraudulent communications
- Messages containing malware or malicious links
- Communications that violate platform terms of service
Prohibited Activities
The following activities are strictly prohibited on the SMS-iT platform:
Sending Unsolicited Messages
- Sending messages without proper consent
- Using purchased, rented, or harvested contact lists
- Sending messages to randomly generated contact information
- Continuing to send messages after opt-out requests
Deceptive Practices
- Using false or misleading sender information
- Creating deceptive subject lines or message content
- Impersonating other individuals or organizations
- Hiding the commercial nature of messages
Technical Violations
- Attempting to bypass spam filters or detection systems
- Using techniques to hide message content or sender identity
- Manipulating message headers or routing information
- Using compromised accounts or systems to send messages
Content Violations
- Sending messages promoting illegal activities
- Distributing malware, viruses, or malicious content
- Phishing attempts or identity theft schemes
- Adult content without proper age verification
- Hate speech, harassment, or threatening content
Consent Requirements
SMS-iT requires proper consent for all communications sent through our platform:
Types of Consent
Express Written Consent (Required for Marketing SMS)
- Clear, conspicuous disclosure of message program
- Disclosure of message frequency and charges
- Opt-in mechanism (checkbox, web form, etc.)
- Clear terms and conditions
- Contact information for questions
Express Consent (Required for Marketing Emails)
- Affirmative action by the recipient
- Clear understanding of what they're consenting to
- Ability to withdraw consent easily
- Record keeping of consent
Implied Consent (Limited Circumstances)
- Existing business relationship
- Transactional or relationship messages
- Account notifications and service updates
- Order confirmations and shipping updates
Consent Documentation
Users must maintain records of consent including:
- Date and time of consent
- Method of consent collection
- IP address and user agent (for online consent)
- Copy of consent language presented
- Proof of opt-in confirmation (double opt-in)
Opt-Out Mechanisms
SMS-iT requires all communications to include clear and functional opt-out mechanisms:
SMS/Text Message Opt-Out
- STOP keyword must be supported and processed immediately
- Alternative keywords (QUIT, CANCEL, UNSUBSCRIBE) should be supported
- Opt-out confirmation message must be sent
- No additional messages after opt-out (except confirmation)
- Opt-out must be free of charge to the recipient
Email Opt-Out
- Clear and conspicuous unsubscribe link in every email
- One-click unsubscribe functionality
- Processing within 10 business days
- No requirement for additional information to unsubscribe
- No fees or charges for unsubscribing
Voice Call Opt-Out
- Clear instructions on how to opt out
- Immediate processing of opt-out requests
- Maintenance of internal Do Not Call lists
- Respect for National Do Not Call Registry
Opt-Out Processing
- Automated processing systems for immediate response
- Suppression list management and maintenance
- Cross-channel opt-out recognition
- Regular suppression list updates and synchronization
CAN-SPAM Act Compliance
SMS-iT ensures full compliance with the CAN-SPAM Act requirements:
Header Information Requirements
- Accurate "From," "To," and "Reply-To" information
- Accurate routing information
- No false or misleading header information
- Proper domain authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC)
Subject Line Requirements
- Subject lines must accurately reflect message content
- No deceptive or misleading subject lines
- Clear indication of commercial nature when applicable
Message Content Requirements
- Clear identification of sender
- Valid physical postal address
- Clear indication that message is an advertisement
- Conspicuous and clear unsubscribe mechanism
Unsubscribe Requirements
- Clear and conspicuous unsubscribe mechanism
- Processing within 10 business days
- No sale or transfer of unsubscribed addresses
- No requirement for additional information
TCPA Compliance
SMS-iT ensures compliance with the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA):
Written Consent Requirements
- Express written consent for marketing text messages
- Clear and conspicuous disclosure
- Signature or electronic confirmation
- Opt-in rather than opt-out mechanism
Autodialer and Prerecorded Message Rules
- Prior express written consent for autodialed calls/texts
- Prior express consent for prerecorded voice messages
- Identification requirements for all calls
- Opt-out mechanisms for all automated communications
Time Restrictions
- Calls only between 8 AM and 9 PM recipient's local time
- Respect for time zone differences
- No calls on Sundays or holidays (where restricted)
Do Not Call Registry Compliance
- Regular scrubbing against National Do Not Call Registry
- Maintenance of internal suppression lists
- Respect for company-specific do not call requests
Monitoring and Enforcement
SMS-iT actively monitors for spam and enforces this policy through various measures:
Automated Monitoring
- Real-time spam detection algorithms
- Content analysis and pattern recognition
- Volume and frequency monitoring
- Bounce rate and engagement tracking
- Complaint rate monitoring
Manual Review
- Human review of flagged content
- Investigation of user reports
- Compliance audits and assessments
- Account behavior analysis
Preventive Measures
- Account verification and validation
- Sending limit enforcement
- Content filtering and blocking
- IP reputation monitoring
- Domain authentication requirements
Response Actions
- Immediate message blocking
- Account warnings and notifications
- Temporary account suspension
- Permanent account termination
- Legal action when appropriate
Reporting Spam
SMS-iT encourages the reporting of spam and provides multiple channels for reporting:
How to Report Spam
Information to Include
- Full message headers and content
- Date and time of receipt
- Sender information
- Your contact information
- Any relevant screenshots or evidence
Investigation Process
- Immediate acknowledgment of report
- Investigation within 24-48 hours
- Action taken based on findings
- Follow-up communication to reporter
- Ongoing monitoring of reported accounts
Violations and Penalties
Violations of this Anti-Spam Policy may result in the following actions:
Warning Actions
- Email notification of policy violation
- Required acknowledgment of policy
- Mandatory compliance training
- Enhanced monitoring of account activity
Suspension Actions
- Temporary suspension of sending privileges
- Account review and investigation
- Required corrective actions
- Compliance verification before reinstatement
Termination Actions
- Immediate account termination
- Forfeiture of account credits or payments
- Permanent ban from SMS-iT services
- Reporting to relevant authorities
Legal Consequences
- Civil liability under CAN-SPAM Act (up to $46,517 per violation)
- TCPA penalties (up to $1,500 per violation)
- Criminal prosecution for fraudulent activities
- State and international law violations
Best Practices for Compliance
SMS-iT recommends the following best practices to ensure compliance:
List Building
- Use only opt-in methods for list building
- Implement double opt-in for email subscriptions
- Clearly explain what subscribers will receive
- Provide frequency and content expectations
- Never purchase or rent contact lists
Message Content
- Always identify yourself clearly
- Use accurate and descriptive subject lines
- Include your physical address
- Provide clear value to recipients
- Avoid spam trigger words and phrases
Sending Practices
- Maintain consistent sending patterns
- Monitor engagement rates and adjust accordingly
- Segment lists for targeted messaging
- Respect frequency preferences
- Test messages before sending to large lists
List Maintenance
- Regularly clean and update contact lists
- Remove bounced and invalid addresses
- Honor all opt-out requests immediately
- Maintain suppression lists across all channels
- Re-engage inactive subscribers appropriately
International Compliance
SMS-iT complies with international anti-spam and data protection laws:
European Union (GDPR)
- Lawful basis for processing personal data
- Explicit consent for marketing communications
- Right to withdraw consent
- Data subject rights and requests
- Privacy by design principles
Canada (CASL)
- Express consent for commercial electronic messages
- Clear identification of sender
- Unsubscribe mechanism in every message
- Record keeping requirements
Australia (Spam Act)
- Consent requirements for commercial messages
- Sender identification requirements
- Functional unsubscribe facility
- Compliance with Do Not Call Register
Other Jurisdictions
- Regular monitoring of international law changes
- Compliance with local data protection requirements
- Respect for cultural and legal differences
- Coordination with local regulatory authorities