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Short Code Compliance Quick Reference Guide

Carrier Requirements when ordering a short code

K
Written by Klane Pedrie
Updated today

Short Code Quick Reference Guide

The information presented below is current as of November 2024


SUBSCRIPTION PROGRAMS

Call to Action (CTA):

  • User must consent to opt-in. Language needs to:

    • Be clear

    • Include product description

    • Message & data rates may apply

    • Message frequency

    • Opt-out instructions

    • Privacy policy or link to privacy policy

    • Link to complete terms & conditions (T&Cs)

  • Customer care instructions
    Reply HELP to [10DLC or toll-free #, website, or support email address]
    If displaying HELP keyword, include 10DLC with it


Opt-in Confirmation Prompt (Optional):

  • Program brand name and/or product description

  • Response command (Ex: Reply Y or PIN)


Welcome Message:

  • Program brand name and/or product description

  • Message frequency

  • Message & data rates may apply

  • Customer care contact info (Reply HELP for help, toll-free #, website, or support email address)


Ongoing Broadcast Copy:

  • Program brand name and/or product description

  • Opt out information


ONE-OFF PROGRAMS

Call to Action (CTA):

  • Product description

  • Msg & data rates may apply

  • Privacy policy or link to privacy policy

  • Link to complete terms & conditions (T&Cs) OR customer care instructions
    Reply HELP to [10DLC, toll-free #, website, or support email address]
    If displaying HELP keyword, include 10DLC with it


One-Off Reply:

  • Program brand name and/or product description


TERMS & CONDITIONS

Terms may be full on CTA if the HELP disclosure includes the 10DLC or a form of customer care (toll-free #, website, or support email address).

If terms are not in full on CTA, the following is required:

  • Program brand name and/or product description

  • Message frequency (only for subscription)

  • Msg & data rates may apply

  • Customer care contact info (Reply HELP for help, toll-free #, website, or support email address)


PRIVACY POLICY

  • Any language that hints or states personal info is shared or sold to third parties for marketing purposes is not allowed.
    No share–no disclose–no transfer.

  • “We respect your privacy” or “we do not share data” is not sufficient.

  • Must state that messaging application data will not be shared with third parties for marketing purposes.


T-Mobile Notes

The following use cases require additional complexity and review:

  • Political campaigns

  • Shopping cart reminders

  • Donations

Consistency throughout the brief is required. The following must match in the messaging, the CTA, and the terms page:

  • Program description

  • Message frequency

Note:
These (gray) marketing for financial institutions is not allowed (even at a direct lender).


Verizon Notes

  • For OTP/2FA, there must be an alternative way to receive the passcode (ex: email).

  • Content that must be avoided:

    • Abandoned cart

    • Financial incentives

    • Financial aid
      (remove industry speak, loan type, link to secure instrument)

  • Collections are not allowed

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