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Registering for text messaging phone numbers involves an identity verification process for your campaign or organization. A key part of this process is the review of your campaign or organization's website to ensure it complies with specific carrier requirements. Non-compliant websites often cause registration rejections and delays. To help your organization achieve a smooth registration, we have compiled these website guidelines.
Website Content Requirements
Carriers need to see evidence that your organization has an online presence. If you don’t have a website, acceptable alternatives at this time include an active social media page like Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. External pages such as Secretary of State filings or news articles will not suffice.
Note: Websites must be publicly accessible. If your website is under construction, password protected, or leads to an error page, it won’t meet regulatory requirements.
Websites must include:
Description of the campaign or service, i.e. an "About us" section
Contact information
SMS opt-in form
Privacy policy
SMS terms and conditions
Include a Compliant SMS Opt-In Form
Your organization is required to describe its method of collecting phone numbers as part of the registration process. For Toll-Free and 10DLC registration, include a compliant webform for phone number collection. You can use this sample opt-in form as a guide.
Your SMS Opt-In Forms Must Include:
- An optional, standalone field for users to enter their phone number.
- An optional checkbox for individuals to confirm their opt-in. This checkbox cannot be pre-selected, or else the carriers will reject the application.
- Beneath the checkbox, include a short call to action explaining who they will receive texts from, i.e. “By selecting this checkbox you are agreeing to receive updates from [ORG] …”
- The call to action must name the kinds of texts you will send. If you are sending donation asks, this must be made explicit with language such as, "Messaging may include donation asks" or "you are agreeing to receive campaign updates and donation asks from [ORG] ..."
- The call to action must specify the frequency that your audience can expect to receive messages, i.e. “you can expect to receive up to X texts per day/week/month”. Note: Using vague terms such as “periodic messaging" will result in rejection on Toll-Free. Instead, use specific, numbered language such as "no more than 1 text per day" or "at a maximum of 5 times a month".
- The call to action should also explain how to get support and opt out, “Text HELP for help", and opt-out, i.e. “Text STOP to cancel.”
- The call to action must also link directly to your website terms and conditions and privacy policy.
Ensure Your Privacy Policy Complies with Opt-In Regulations
Mobile carriers will reject your registration if your website doesn’t have a privacy policy. The policy must explicitly state that phone numbers collected won't be shared or sold to third parties for marketing or promotional purposes You can use this sample privacy policy as a guide. At minimum, your privacy policy must include this or similar language:
“Mobile information will not be shared with third parties/affiliates for marketing/promotional purposes. All the above categories exclude text messaging originator opt-in data and consent; this information will not be shared with any third parties.”
Your Privacy Policy Must Include:
Your organization name and contact info
What information you collect
Why you collect it
How long you keep the data
How you protect the data
How users can opt out
Mobile Terms and Conditions Requirements
Carriers want to see compliant SMS terms and conditions on your website. You can use this sample SMS terms page as a guide. At minimum, your terms must include this or similar language:
“You agree to receive [messaging type, i.e. informational messages and donation asks] from [Organization Name]. [Message frequency]. Message and data rates may apply. For help, reply HELP or email us at [email address]. You can opt out at any time by replying STOP.”
Your Terms Must Include:
The message sender name (your organization).
A description of the types of messages (e.g., include "donation asks" if relevant).
An estimate of how often messages will be sent (e.g., 2 messages per week - this should be consistent with your opt-in page).
A notice that "Message and data rates may apply."
Instructions for getting help (e.g., text HELP, email/phone for support) with a contact email or phone number.
Instructions for opting out (e.g., text STOP to stop).
Link to your Privacy Policy.